Headaches and migraines can be common, frustrating, and sometimes debilitating ailments. But what is the difference between the two? In this Reddit guide, we will explore how to tell the difference between a headache and a migraine, and how to best deal with each one. We’ll look at how to identify the symptoms, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from coming back. With the knowledge from this guide, you can better understand and manage your pain, so you can return to living your life.
What are the common symptoms of a headache versus a migraine?
Headaches can cause a dull or throbbing pain in your head and can be accompanied by pressure behind your eyes, neck pain, or sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines, on the other hand, are more intense than headaches and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells. In addition, migraines may cause visual disturbances and an aura, which is a feeling of numbness or tingling in one part of your body.
How does the intensity of a headache or migraine differ from person to person?
The intensity of a headache or migraine can vary greatly from person to person. Headaches can range from a dull ache to a throbbing, severe pain while migraines can cause pulsating pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intensity of the pain can also depend on the type of headache or migraine, as some may be more severe than others.
How are headaches and migraines typically treated differently?
Headaches and migraines are treated differently due to the different causes of the two conditions. Headaches are usually treated with over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Migraines, on the other hand, may require prescription medications, such as triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep, may be necessary to effectively manage migraine headaches.
How does CBD help to alleviate the symptoms of headaches and migraines?
CBD is believed to help alleviate the symptoms of headaches and migraines by reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, and relieving muscular tension. It may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines. The difference between a headache and a migraine is that a headache is a general term for many types of head pain, whereas a migraine is a specific type of headache which is characterized by intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
What lifestyle changes can be made to reduce the risk of headaches and migraines?
Headaches and migraines are two distinct conditions, but they share one common factor lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of both. For headaches, some lifestyle changes that can help include reducing stress, getting adequate rest, and improving hydration. For migraines, lifestyle changes that can help include reducing triggers, such as certain foods and environmental factors, and avoiding certain medications. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels can all help reduce the risk of both headaches and migraines.
What are the 3 types of migraines?
A headache is generally a dull or throbbing pain that can last for a few minutes to a few days, while a migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. There are three main types of migraines migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and chronic migraine. Migraine with aura is characterized by auras, which are sensory symptoms such as vision changes, pins and needles, and speech disturbances. Migraine without aura usually involves a throbbing headache and nausea, but no auras. Finally, chronic migraine involves having 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of them being migraines.
What are the four stages of a migraine?
Migraines are a type of severe headache that can cause intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can last from 4 to 72 hours and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. The four stages of a migraine are the prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. The prodrome stage occurs 1-2 days before the migraine, and is characterized by changes in mood, fatigue, or other symptoms. The aura stage is a sensory disturbance that can occur before or during the migraine attack. The attack stage is the actual migraine headache and can last from hours to days. The postdrome stage is the recovery period after the migraine has passed, and is marked by lingering fatigue, confusion, and mood changes.
What are the red flags for migraine?
Headaches can be a common, short-term annoyance, but migraines are a more serious, chronic disorder. Red flags for migraine include a severe pulsing or throbbing headache that lasts for several hours or days and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Other common symptoms are visual disturbances such as seeing sparks or flashes of light, or a temporary blind spot.
What is an alarming headache?
A headache is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause pain in the head. An alarming headache is a severe headache that is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and possibly even blurred vision. A migraine is a specific type of headache that is more severe and can last for hours or even days. Migraines are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as aura, dizziness, and tingling in the face or hands.
Is a migraine an emergency?
No, a migraine is not an emergency. A migraine is a severe headache that can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. It is usually more intense and longer-lasting than a regular headache. However, if the migraine is accompanied by a fever, vision changes, or confusion, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Do migraines come on suddenly?
Headaches and migraines are often confused, but they are two very different conditions. A headache typically comes on gradually and is usually a dull, aching pain. Migraines, on the other hand, often come on suddenly and can be significantly more intense. Migraines can cause severe throbbing or pulsing pain, and are often accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.
Is it normal to have a headache for 3 days?
No, it is not normal to have a headache for 3 days. While headaches can last for a few days, it is usually not considered normal. Migraines, on the other hand, can last for days or even weeks. If you have a headache that lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor to rule out a more serious medical condition.
What does a migraine stroke feel like?
A headache is generally a dull, throbbing pain that is usually concentrated in the temples, forehead, or back of the head. A migraine, on the other hand, is usually an intense, throbbing or pulsing pain that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. A migraine stroke is a type of migraine that is accompanied by numbness, difficulty speaking, and vision changes.
What is silent migraine?
Migraine is a neurological disorder that is often accompanied by severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Silent migraine, also known as acephalgic migraine, is a type of migraine where a person experiences the same symptoms as a regular migraine, such as nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity, but without the headache. It is still a neurological disorder and can be equally as disabling as a regular migraine.
When should I be worried about a headache?
If you experience a headache that is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or a throbbing pain, it is likely a migraine and should be discussed with a doctor. If your headache is persistent, lasts more than a few hours, or is associated with fever or other signs of illness, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition and you should seek medical attention.
Does ibuprofen help a migraine?
Yes, ibuprofen can help with a migraine. The difference between a headache and a migraine is that a headache is usually a dull, diffuse ache, while a migraine is a severe, throbbing pain that is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. Ibuprofen can help reduce the pain associated with a migraine, but it should not be used as a long-term solution.
Should I be worried if Ive had a headache for 5 days?
If you have had a headache for 5 days, then you should be concerned. A headache is usually a sign of an underlying condition and can range from mild to severe. A migraine, on the other hand, is a specific type of headache that is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with your headache, then it is important to seek medical advice.
What does a migraine headache look like?
A migraine headache can have a variety of symptoms, but typically involves a severe and throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, and aura, which can include visual disturbances. In contrast, a typical headache is usually less severe and is not accompanied by other symptoms.
Can a migraine go untreated?
A headache is a general term for pain that occurs in the head, while a migraine is a specific type of headache that is usually more intense and accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. A headache can typically be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, while a migraine may require specific medications and lifestyle changes to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Therefore, a migraine should not be left untreated.
What kind of tests are done for headaches?
Headaches and migraines are two different conditions and require different tests to diagnose. Headaches are typically diagnosed with a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and possibly imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. Migraines, on the other hand, may require additional tests, such as a lab test to check for imbalances in hormones or blood components, or an EEG to check for seizure activity in the brain.
What do brain tumor headaches feel like?
A brain tumor headache can feel similar to a migraine with a throbbing or pulsating sensation, usually on one side of the head, that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. However, unlike a migraine, a brain tumor headache is typically constant and does not have a specific pattern. Additionally, unlike a migraine, a brain tumor headache is usually accompanied by neurological symptoms such as changes in vision, motor changes, and cognitive changes.
What happens to the brain when you have a migraine?
A headache is a general term for pain in the head, while a migraine is a specific type of headache that is usually more severe. When a person has a migraine, the pain is usually more intense, and they may also experience aura, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The brain itself is thought to be affected in some way during a migraine, as changes in brain activity have been observed using imaging technology.
How do I tell the difference between a headache and a migraine?
A headache is usually a dull pain that is felt in the forehead, temples, or back of the neck. It is often caused by stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration. A migraine, on the other hand, is a much more intense, throbbing headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain is usually localized to one side of the head and can last for several hours or days. Additionally, migraines can cause visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots.
How long do migraine headaches last?
Migraine headaches can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, whereas a typical headache may last for 30 minutes to a few hours. Migraines can be more severe and come with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
What is a red flag for secondary headache?
A red flag for secondary headaches is a headache that is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, visual disturbances, or numbness and tingling. These symptoms may indicate that the headache is caused by an underlying medical condition or injury, rather than a migraine or other primary headache disorder.
What blood tests are done for headaches?
Headaches and migraines can often be difficult to distinguish between. Headaches are typically caused by muscle tension, stress, or lack of sleep, while migraines are usually caused by changes in the brain’s blood vessels or chemical imbalances. Blood tests that can be done for headaches include an electrolyte panel, complete blood count, glucose test, and liver enzymes test. These tests can help determine the cause of the headache and whether it is a migraine or just a regular headache.
What can a migraine be mistaken for?
Migraines can be mistaken for a regular headache because the symptoms can be similar. The key difference is that a migraine is usually more intense, often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Also, a migraine can last for hours or even days, whereas a regular headache usually resolves itself within a few hours.
How long should a headache last before seeing a doctor?
A headache can last anywhere from a few minutes to days, while a migraine typically lasts from 4-72 hours. If your headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, confusion, vision changes, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if your headache is not responding to treatments, you should also seek medical attention.
Where do you feel migraine pain?
Headache and migraine are two different conditions. While both can cause pain in the head, the pain from a migraine is usually more severe and can be localized to one side of the head. Migraine pain is often described as throbbing, pulsating, or pounding. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
When should you go to A&E for a migraine?
A headache is a general term used to describe a variety of symptoms, while a migraine is a specific type of headache that is usually more intense and can have additional symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. If your headache is severe and does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be a sign that you should seek medical attention. You should go to A&E for a migraine if you experience any of the following a severe and persistent headache, a headache that is accompanied by a fever, a headache that is accompanied by confusion, a headache that is accompanied by numbness or weakness, or a headache that is accompanied by vision changes.
Can you sleep with a migraine?
Headaches and migraines can feel similar, but they are very different. A headache is usually a dull, throbbing pain, while a migraine is usually an intense, pulsing pain that can last for hours or even days. Unfortunately, sleeping with a migraine can be very difficult, as the pain can be disruptive and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. However, for some people, lying down and sleeping in a dark room may be the best way to cope with the pain.