Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesLocationTreatmentsChronic Conditions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Differences
Location
Treatments
Chronic Conditions
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Difference Between a Migraine and a Typical Headache
The type of pain you feel, its intensity, and how long it lasts are all vital clues to help you determine whether you are experiencing a migraine or other type of headache.
Pain Intensity and Symptoms of a Migraine
Pain intensity and associated symptoms vary with different types of headaches.
Migraine headache symptomsinclude pounding, throbbing, or pulsating pain, like a drum beating on your skull.Characteristics of migraine pain include:
Anaura, a reversible phenomenon of visual or sensory disturbances, may also precede a migraine headache.
Migraine
Pain Intensity and Symptoms of Other Headaches
The type of pain experienced during a migraine attack differs even from other types of primary headaches such as tension-type and cluster headaches.
Cluster headachescause severe, piercing pain that’s often more excruciating than a migraine.The pain is said to be worse than a broken bone, kidney stone, or childbirth.Like migraines, cluster headaches can also cause cranial autonomic symptoms.
Migraineslast from four to 72 hours, whereastension-type headacheslast 30 minutes to one week.Cluster headachesoccur as attacks—up to eight daily—lasting 15 minutes to three hours.
The pain intensity and associated symptoms of common secondary headache disorders include the following:
Headaches
Location of Migraine vs. Other Types of Headaches
Where you feel the pain or pressure in your head can help you determine what type of headache you need to treat. Thelocationof the headache can include bilateral pain (occurring on both sides of the head or face) or unilateral pain (occurring on just one side). Usually, you will feel the sensation in the face, along the side of your head, or at the top of your head.
Treating a Migraine vs. Headache
Headache treatments vary depending on the type and severity. It often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle behaviors, and home remedies.
Medication for Migraines
Mild to moderate migraines can usually be eased with an over-the-counter painkiller likeTylenol(acetaminophen) or anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium).
AtriptanlikeMaxalt(rizatriptan) or a combination NSAID/triptan like Treximet (sumatriptan/ naproxen) may be needed to stop a severe migraine.
Triptans are prescription drugs that bind toserotonindocking sites in the brain, preventing the action of this chemical messenger. They are available in several formulations, including pills, dissolvable tablets, nasal sprays, and injections.
If a person cannot tolerate or take a triptan (e.g., those with or at high risk for heart disease), acalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blocker, like Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) orNurtec ODT(rimegepant), may be recommended.
Likewise,Reyvow(lasmiditan)—a drug that targets serotonin but appears safe in people with or at risk for heart disease—might be prescribed.
Medication for Other Types of Headaches
Like mild-to-moderate migraines, tension-type headaches are treated with Tylenol or an NSAID.Triptans and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blockers do not play a role in their treatment.
Cluster headachescan betreatedwith a triptan, but only an injectable or inhaled one since the attacks are short-lived.Oxygen therapy(inhaling oxygen through a facemask) is another treatment for cluster headaches.
PrecautionsDue to possible harm, not everyone can take Tylenol or NSAIDs. Only take these medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Precautions
Due to possible harm, not everyone can take Tylenol or NSAIDs. Only take these medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies for Migraines
Commonmigraine triggersinclude strong smells, sunlight, lack of sleep, hunger, thirst, alcohol, nitrate-containing foods (e.g., bacon or hot dogs), and stress.
Migraines and SleepInterestingly, many people with migraine have sleep disorders likeobstructive sleep apneaandinsomnia. Moreover, sleep deprivation is a common migraine trigger, and sleeping is a classic home remedy for easing migraine attacks.See a healthcare provider if you have migraines and sleep disturbances. Your provider may suggest keeping aheadache diaryandsleep logand undergoing asleep study.
Migraines and Sleep
Interestingly, many people with migraine have sleep disorders likeobstructive sleep apneaandinsomnia. Moreover, sleep deprivation is a common migraine trigger, and sleeping is a classic home remedy for easing migraine attacks.See a healthcare provider if you have migraines and sleep disturbances. Your provider may suggest keeping aheadache diaryandsleep logand undergoing asleep study.
Interestingly, many people with migraine have sleep disorders likeobstructive sleep apneaandinsomnia. Moreover, sleep deprivation is a common migraine trigger, and sleeping is a classic home remedy for easing migraine attacks.
See a healthcare provider if you have migraines and sleep disturbances. Your provider may suggest keeping aheadache diaryandsleep logand undergoing asleep study.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies for Other Headaches
Although there is little scientific evidence, some people with cluster headaches benefit from deep breathing techniques during an attack. Cluster headaches also share a few common triggers with migraine, including:
Home remedies for secondary headaches include:
For primary headaches, mind-body therapies likemeditation,acupuncture, andprogressive muscle relaxationcan also enhance pain management and help you feel well overall.
Types of Chronic Migraines and Headaches
The vast majority of migraines and other primary headaches can be treated safely at home with OTC or prescription medications. However, some migraines and headaches can turn into chronic conditions. It’s important to understand how these chronic conditions vary as well.
Chronic Migraine
These factors include:
Chronic Tension-Type Headaches
Chronic Cluster Headaches
It’s unclear what causes the shift from episodic to chronic cluster headaches, although alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking may play a role.
Seek Emergency Medical AttentionGo to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if your headache:Is severe and starts abruptly, and/or is the “worst headache of your life"Is severe and associated with a painful red eye, high fever, stiff neck, fainting, confusion, orstroke symptomsOccurs after a head or neck injury
Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if your headache:Is severe and starts abruptly, and/or is the “worst headache of your life"Is severe and associated with a painful red eye, high fever, stiff neck, fainting, confusion, orstroke symptomsOccurs after a head or neck injury
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if your headache:
Summary
Treating migraines and other headaches involves a combination of medication and at-home treatments such as applying ice and resting. Chronic headache conditions can develop and may require other medical attention.
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