Headache vs Migraine: Which One Do You Have?

Many different conditions affecting the nervous system result in painful symptoms in the head collectively referred to as a headache disorder. Headaches and migraines are among the conditions that fall under the umbrella of headache disorders. At some point in their lives, most people will suffer from a headache. Some also go for a consultation with sinus specialist to get a permanent relief.

About half of all adults in the world suffer from some form of headache disorder, according to the WHO. When it comes to migraines, some people may have difficulty distinguishing them from other types of headaches.

Headache vs. migraine

Pain in the neck, face, or head can be caused by a headache, which can be mild, moderate, or severe.

A migraine is a primary headache disorder that is extremely painful. Symptoms of migraines are often more severe and debilitating than those of a headache.

Some migraines, however, do not cause any symptoms in the head.

Definition of a Headache

Headaches are classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. There are many multiple kinds of headaches.

An independent condition that causes pain in the face,head, or neck is known as a primary headache. Migraines and chronic headaches are examples of primary headaches. Some medical conditions, such as an infection, stress and medication overuse can lead to secondary headaches.

Primary headaches include:

Tension-related pain

Around 42% of adults around the world suffer from tension-type headaches, the most common type of primary headache disorder.

It's like a band of heavy pressure is wrapped around the head with tension-type headaches.

Tension-type headaches can be classified as either episodic or chronic by doctors. Tension-type headaches occur 10 to 15 days a month on average. Trustworthy. Soreness in the scalp may accompany chronic tension-type headaches.

These headaches are caused by numerous factors. These could include, for example:

  • squeezing the teeth

  • Hunger

  • Anxiety or depression

  • Insufficient slumber

  • Insufficiency in slumber

  • Arthritis

  • twisting or squeezing the neck

  • Bad posture

  • Stress

Recurring headaches

Culprit headaches are known for their excruciating pain on just one side of the head, usually behind the eye. There are multiple headaches occurring at the same time each day for a few weeks at a time.

There are periods of cluster headaches and periods of no cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches typically last six to 12 weeks, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source. Males are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches than females.

Pain behind the eye and on one side of the head are among the symptoms of cluster headaches.

  • Red and swollen eyes

  • Sweating

  • Congestion

  • Agitation or restlessness

Hemicrania

Headaches known as hemiplegia are long-lasting and can be mild or severe at any time. It is common for these headaches to affect one side of the head at a time. The frequency of hemicrania headaches can range from daily to chronic.

Other people may have periods of headaches followed by periods of no headaches at all.

In addition to nausea and vomiting, hemicrania headaches can cause sensitivity to light and sound.

  • Watery eyes

  • Inflammation of the eyelids

  • Sweating

  • Congestion

  • Swollen eyes

Secondary headache conditions

Secondary headaches can occur as a result of disorders and diseases that affect the nervous system.

Sleep disorders are among the most common secondary causes of headaches.

  • Brain cancer

  • Strokes

  • The cessation of the use of medication or drug

  • Head injuries

  • Inflammation

  • Aeizures

  • Deformity in neck, head and spine

What Migraine Is?

Among the many primary headache disorders, migraines are notorious for their excruciating pain and a wide range of other signs and symptoms. Migraine sufferers may experience recurrent episodes or attacks, as the term implies.

Migraines can cause a variety of different types of headaches, the severity of which varies widely. Migraine headaches can last between a few hours to a few days, and they can be excruciatingly painful.

Typically, only one side of the head is affected by a migraine headache, but this can happen for some people. There are four distinct phases to a migraine, but not everyone experiences all four.

If you are looking for a sinus specialist too, visit OKOA in Oklahoma and try determining which treatment you need.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.