There is a basic difference between a headache and a migraine. Almost all of us experience a headache from time to time, which is a normal thing and can be caused by various relatively harmless and understandable things, such as tiredness or an extra glass of wine the night before.
Headaches are those unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and ache. They can range from mild to severe pain and usually occur on both sides of your head.
Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. Migraines are intense or severe headaches and often have accompanying symptoms in addition to the pain.
Although the exact cause of migraine headaches isn’t yet completely understood, some medical researchers believe that migraines are caused by altered blood flow and abnormal levels of naturally produced substances in the brain.
When certain arteries dilate, blood flow is increased and causes pain-producing chemicals to be released. The dilation causes an increase in the natural substance levels, such as prostaglandins and serotonin.
This makes the blood vessels lining the brain swell and creates pressure on nearby nerves. These nerves send pain signals to the body that are typically felt around the eye or temple region and can extend to the face, sinus, jaw, or neck.
Learning to identify the difference between a headache and a migraine is important, as the latter could be tied to underlying health problems, such as inflammation of the brain.
Migraine headaches are typically divided into two categories: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An “aura” refers to sensations a person experiences before he or she gets a migraine. The sensations typically occur anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before the attack.
These can include:
Some migraine sufferers may experience symptoms a day or two before an actual migraine occurs.
The problem often begins during “down” times, such as weekends and vacations when you’re not feeling stressed. Just as there are signs suggesting migraines, there are indications that tend to rule them out.
For example, if your headache usually strikes while you’re laughing hard, exercising, or enjoying sex, it’s quite likely an exertion headache.
If the pain typically zeroes in on the days you skip meals because you’re trying to lose weight, the problem may be due to low blood sugar.
If a headache produces dull pain, generally strikes during or after a long or difficult work period, and your shoulders and neck muscles are knotted and stiff, it’s probably a tension headache. And if the headaches grow steadily worse over time, they may be due to an organic problem.
If you get regular headaches, it is important to see your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. The diagnosis will depend on upon your doctor taking a medical history, possibly referring you for tests and narrowing down the range of possible causes for your headaches.
The correct diagnosis of a headache can help you to manage your headaches and if necessary embark on a suitable form of treatment.
We hope this article has clarified everything about the difference between a headache and a migraine, and that you will take the necessary to prevent both.
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