Is It A Migraine Or A Regular Headache? How To Tell The Difference

There are a few things to look for to help one determine if they are suffering from a migraine. One of them is the duration of the pain.

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Dr Ritu Jha 

Headaches are quite common. However, not all types of headaches are similar. It is important to understand whether the pain one is experiencing is a headache or a migraine in order to treat it properly. There are a few things to look for to help one determine if they are suffering from a migraine.

 

• Type and Location of Pain

 

Regular headaches — particularly tension headaches — typically manifest as a dull, steady pain that is bilateral or across the forehead. Migraines, meanwhile, cause a throbbing, pulsing pain, and can be on one side of the head. 

 

• Intensity And Duration Of Pain

 

Tension headaches are typically mild to moderate in intensity and last from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. In contrast, migraines could be classified as moderate to severe in intensity, lasting for 4 to 72 hours. Many people are unable to perform their normal daily tasks during a migraine.

 

• Other Symptoms 

 

Migraines can occur with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds and smells. Some people also experience a migraine aura or visual disturbances (like flashing lights or blind spots) right before the onset of a migraine. 

Tension-type headaches typically respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Migraines may require specific medications such as triptans, or prescription-strength medications, along with rest in a dark, quiet room. 

When To Consult A Physician 

• If you experience frequent, severe headaches, or your headaches interfere with daily life
• If you have a sudden, severe headache, or your headaches have changed in nature, frequency, or severity

The writer is director & HOD – Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.

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