Migraine vs headache: What's the difference and how to spot it?

A headache and migraine can both cause pain, but they are not the same. While a headache is a symptom, migraine is a neurological condition that can cause recurring attacks of headache along with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.According to Dr. Shrikant Sharma, Director of Neurosciences, Kailash Healthcare, understanding the pattern of pain and the symptoms that accompany it can help differentiate between a routine headache and a migraine.WHERE DOES THE PAIN HIT?A regular tension-type headache can often feel like pressure, tightness, or a dull ache across the head. It may affect both sides."Migraine pain is commonly throbbing or pulsating and is often felt on one side of the head, although it can affect both sides as well," said Dr Sharma. One-sided pain can be a clue, but it is not enough on its own to identify a migraine.HOW DOES THE PAIN FEEL?One of the key differences is the nature of the pain. A tension-type headache may feel as though something is pressing or tightening around the head. Migraine pain can be moderate to severe and may become worse with routine physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs."Migraine is not just about the headache. Patients can also experience nausea or vomiting, while bright lights and loud sounds may become difficult to tolerate," Dr. Sharma said.Wanting to lie down in a dark, quiet room during a headache may therefore be more suggestive of migraine.HOW LONG CAN THEY LAST?A typical tension-type headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.A migraine attack can last much longer. An untreated migraine attack may continue for 4 to 72 hours."The intensity of migraine pain can also vary during an attack, and the pain may not remain at the same level throughout," Dr. Sharma explained.WHAT IS MIGRAINE AURA?Some people with migraines experience an aura before or during the headache.Aura can involve visual changes such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Some people may also experience tingling, numbness, or difficulty speaking."Not everyone with migraines experiences an aura, so the absence of these symptoms does not rule out migraine," said Dr. Sharma.Visual or neurological symptoms should also not automatically be assumed to mean that someone has migraine. A medical assessment may be needed to determine the cause.MIGRAINE VS HEADACHE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?A headache is a symptom, while migraine is a neurological condition that can cause recurring attacks of headache along with other symptoms.Pressure or tightness without other significant symptoms may be more consistent with a tension-type headache.On the other hand, throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and pain that worsens with physical activity can point towards migraine.However, symptoms can overlap, so a person should not try to diagnose the condition based on one symptom alone.WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?Frequent or severe headaches should not simply be managed with painkillers without understanding what is causing them."If headaches are frequent, severe, suddenly different from your usual headaches or begin interfering with your everyday life, it is important to consult a doctor," Dr. Sharma said.Understanding the pattern of the headache and the symptoms that accompany it can help determine whether it is a routine headache or something that needs further evaluation.- Ends