Many people use “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. While both conditions cause head pain, the difference between headache and migraine is that migraines come with a cluster of other symptoms, as well. Migraines last longer and are usually more severe than headaches. ?
Understanding the differences between migraines and headaches helps you get the proper treatment and management so you can have fewer days with symptoms of either condition.
| Headache | Migraine | |
| Overview | Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck | A neurological condition causing severe, debilitating symptoms including a headache |
| Triggers |
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| Symptoms |
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| Pain intensity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Duration | 1 day or less | 3 to 4 days |
| Location | Both sides of the head | May only affect one side of the head |
| Treatment |
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What Is a Headache?
A headache is exactly what it sounds like: a painful, aching sensation in the head. The pain can also affect the neck or jaw. The pain is usually dull and may feel like a tight band around the head. Headaches are usually mild to moderate in intensity.
There are a variety of types of headaches, including the following.
- Tension headaches: Tension headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension. The pain is mild to moderate. They can last as little as 30 minutes or as long as several days. ?
- Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in cycles called clusters, lasting for weeks or months. The pain is usually limited to one side of the head and may be most noticeable around one eye.
- Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation and pressure in the sinus cavities. You may have sinus headaches if you have a sinus infection. They commonly occur following a cold or during allergy flare-ups. They cause pain behind the forehead, cheekbones, or nose.
Rest and drinking plenty of fluids can also help with headache symptoms. You only need to see a health care provider if headache symptoms keep getting worse or last longer than 10 days.
Common Causes of Headaches
Headaches usually have an obvious trigger, such as an illness or allergy.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress and anxiety can cause headaches. Dehydration, skipping meals, poor posture, and lack of sleep can also lead to headaches.
- Physical tension: Tension headaches often result from muscle tightness in the shoulders, neck, and scalp. Posture issues and physical overexertion can trigger tension headaches.
- Dietary factors: Consuming alcohol, aged cheeses, processed meats, and additives like MSG can lead to headaches. Headaches are also a side effect of caffeine withdrawal.
- Environmental changes: Changes in weather or air pressure can trigger headaches, as can exposure to allergens or poor air quality.
- Medical issues: Medical conditions such as sinus infections, head injuries, or sudden spikes in blood pressure can cause hypertension headaches.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraine is a neurological condition, not just a severe headache. There is a multi-stage progression to migraines, and the headache is only one element of the process.
There are usually four phases to a migraine.
- Prodrome: The earliest signs of a migraine appear 1 to 2 days before symptom onset. They can include mood changes, food cravings, and neck stiffness.
- Aura: An aura can include visual or sensory disturbances, such as changes in vision (spots or zigzag lines), tingling in the extremities, speech changes, ringing in the ears, or vertigo.
- Attack: The headache phase is marked by moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. The symptoms of migraine headache include nausea, vomiting, and/or extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. This phase may last 24 to 72 hours.
- Postdrome: Many migraine sufferers call this the “migraine hangover.” Symptoms include feeling drained or dizzy, or having lingering body aches. It can last up to 48 hours.
There may be a genetic component to the likelihood of having migraines, as migraines can run in families.
Health care providers at family urgent care centers like Next Level Urgent Care can help treat migraine symptoms like pain and nausea. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant so they can offer appropriate treatment.
Common Migraine Triggers
If you experience migraines, you may notice that certain foods, weather conditions, or lifestyle factors can trigger an episode. Common migraine triggers include:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes in females
- Irregular sleep pattern
- Specific foods such as aged cheeses, processed meats, or artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sensory overload (bright lights, strong smells, loud noises)
- Weather change
Treatment for Migraines and Headaches
Health care providers at urgent care facilities, such as Next Level Urgent Care, can offer immediate treatment for headache and migraine symptoms, including anti-nausea medication and prescription-strength pain relievers.
They may refer you to a specialist in headaches or migraines for follow-up care.
Headache Treatments
Most headaches respond to over-the-counter medication and home care, such as:
- Pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Rest
- Hydration
- Stress reduction
- Alleviating dehydration
If you have frequent headaches, a health care provider can help you understand the causes and identify triggers to help you avoid them in the future.
Migraine Treatments
Treatment for migraines includes medications to reduce symptoms during attacks and options to reduce the frequency of migraines.
Prescription medications to manage migraine symptoms and reduce severity include:
- Triptans
- Dihydroergotamine (brand names Migranal, Trudhesa)
- Lasmiditan (brand name Reyvow)
- Intranasal zavegepant (brand name Zavzpret)
Preventative medications include different protocols that affect the neurological systems, including:
- Blood pressure-lowering medicines
- Anti-seizure medications
- Antidepressants
- Atogepant (brand name Qulipta)
- Rimegepant (brand name Nurtec ODT)
Migraine treatments should be prescribed by a specialist with a background in treating migraines, such as a neurologist.
Treating Headaches and Migraines Early
Migraines are neurological conditions with multiple symptoms, while headaches are generally simpler pain events. Tracking symptoms, triggers, and other patterns can help you understand what brings on symptoms and how you can avoid them. Expert diagnosis can help you determine whether you are experiencing headaches or migraines and inform how you manage the condition in the future.
You may be able to reduce the frequency of headaches or migraines with lifestyle changes such as adhering to a regular sleep schedule, managing stress levels, staying hydrated, eating regular meals, and limiting trigger foods.
Both headaches and migraines can be managed with the right approach and medical support. If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, you should talk to a health care provider about diagnosis and treatment options. Frequent headaches or migraines (15 or more headache days per month) warrant medical evaluation. You don’t have to suffer through frequent headaches or migraines — effective treatments are available.
The health care professionals at Next Level Urgent Care can treat headache or migraine symptoms and advise you on the next steps. Next Level has facilities in the San Antonio, Houston, and Austin areas, so you can find treatment in a convenient location. Walk in 7 days per week between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., or check in using our app to skip the wait.?
