Suffering From A Headache Or Migraine? Know The Difference.

When you are suffering from pain on the side of your head, it can be difficult to tell if you are experiencing a migraine or just an ordinary headache.

Understanding the differences between a migraine and an ordinary headache can help you figure out what’s wrong when you feel pain on the side of your head, which will make it easier to choose the proper treatment method to relieve your symptoms.

Both types of headaches cause pain and throbbing in various parts of the head, but some differences set them apart.

Introduction

A headache can be caused by many different factors, from stress to an allergy attack to just not getting enough sleep. For some people, headaches are more than just an occasional annoyance; they cause debilitating pain that leaves them unable to function during the day. For these sufferers, headaches are migraines.

Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms, including blurry vision, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you may be suffering from a migraine, contact your doctor to find out what’s wrong and how to get relief.

Various aspects of Head Ache

Headaches are among some of the most common ailments that occur in our day-to-day lives, with an estimated 36 million Indians suffering daily. While headaches can range from mild to severe, understanding more about them is crucial.

Head Ache can be many types, such as:-

• Migraine,
• Tension headache,
• Cluster headache, and so on.

There are also remedies for headaches and migraine. So let’s discuss each type of headache separately. Let’s start with Headaches.

About Headaches

Headaches are painful and can be incredibly frustrating when they interfere with daily life, but there are many remedies for headaches that can make them less frequent and less severe. Just because your headaches occur on one side of your head does not mean it’s necessarily a migraine, as these types of headaches do not require an urgent visit to your doctor.

If your headaches feel like something is pressing against your skull, get checked out by a medical professional immediately.

The main thing to remember about headaches is that if they interfere with your life, it’s best to seek help from a medical professional rather than trying home remedies for headache relief.

Related: Frequent headaches could be a sign of an eye disorder

About Migraines

Migraines and headaches are often grouped, but there are some significant differences between them.

While headaches can be debilitating, migraines tend to last longer and can often impact your quality of life if left untreated.

Not everyone is affected by migraines, but for those who are, these headaches can lead to a few side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting,
• Neck pain,
• Lethargy,
• Fatigue,
• Blurred vision,
• Ringing in the ears,
• Dizziness,
• Tingling or
• Numbness

There are several remedies for migraines, including prescription medications and pain relief devices.

Take this quick assessment to check whether the severity of your headache is a sign of a migraine or not.

Migraines Cause

1) Hormonal changes:

Changing levels of hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger migraines in women.

2) Dietary triggers:

Food allergies and sensitivities may be triggers for some people, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, tyramine (in red wine), nitrates (in bacon and hot dogs), nitrites (in processed meats), chocolate, nuts, citrus fruits, bananas, dried fruits, dairy products like cheese and ice cream—even some headache medications can be triggers!

3) Emotional triggers:

Stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue can trigger migraines in some people.

4) Sleep deprivation:

Sleep may play a role in some cases of headache or migraine—if it occurs regularly, it could affect your body’s natural rhythms and make your headaches worse.

Headache Vs. Migraine

A headache is an irritation of any part of your head or feeling that it is too full. Headaches are not usually a sign of anything serious, but migraines can be another story entirely.

A migraine is far more intense than a regular headache—it’s often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, blurry vision, and may last for days.

What do they feel like?

While both headaches and migraines can cause pain, they are not exactly alike.

• Headaches: You have pain in your head, but it’s not severe enough to interrupt your daily activities.
• Migraines tend to be much more intense than regular headaches; you may experience nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell during a migraine episode.

How is it managed? (Remedies for migraine)

People who suffer from frequent headaches should consult their doctors because chronic headaches may be signs of cervical spondylosis, vestibular disorders, and meningitis.

Meanwhile, those experiencing occasional headaches may try to manage them at home through remedies for migraine and headache pain relief treatment:

• Proper sleep,
• Nutritious diet,
• Regular exercise at home or regular exercise programs,
• Steam inhalation,
• Cold compresses on the forehead, etc.

These can help relieve headaches in most cases. For example,

• If your headache is due to muscle tension, you can apply heat to relax tense muscles;
• If it’s caused by eye strain, wear dark glasses when reading;
• If it’s due to sinus problems, breathe in steam with eucalyptus oil; and so on.

Suppose you want to get rid of your headache as quickly as possible. In that case, over-the-counter meds can also help take care of your headache pain—but remember to take them in moderation and always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

Conclusion

If you think that all headaches are migraines, we can assure you: they’re not! There is an important distinction between these two types of headaches. Here’s a breakdown of headache vs. migraine symptoms and treatment options to help lead you in the right direction to clear up any confusion. While headaches and migraines share some commonalities (including pain), it’s important to know how to tell them apart. That way, you can start feeling better faster!