Headaches are of different types and though the symptoms may be similar, it is important to identify the difference. It helps in planning the treatment and preventing the symptoms in future. 

Here we will discuss two common types of headaches which are migraines and tension headaches. 

Let’s take a look at the differences between them.

What is a Migraine Headache?

Migraine is a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain in the head, mostly confined to one side. 

Migraine attacks can last for hours to days and the pain can interfere with your daily activities.

Causes

Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role in causing migraine headaches. 

Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine headache include:

  • Stress. Chronic stress, when not managed well can lead to migraine headaches.

  • Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes that occur during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can cause migraine.

  • Sensory stimuli. Bright lights, loud sounds and strong fragrances can trigger migraines in some individuals.

  • Certain medications. Medications such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators (medications for opening or dilating your blood vessels) can aggravate migraine headaches.

  • Weather changes. Changes in the weather are also known to trigger migraines.

Symptoms 

Migraine progresses through four stages. It includes prodrome, headache phase and post-drome.

  • Prodrome. It is a period before the attack where you would notice warning signs such as neck stiffness, mood changes, food cravings and increased urination.

  • Headache phase. This phase can last from 4 to 72 hours. In some cases, an aura might occur before migraines. You may usually experience:

    •  Visual disturbances such as seeing different shapes, spots or flashes of light

    • Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head

    • Sensitivity to light and sound, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

  • Post-drome. This period is after the attack when you may feel drained and confused and even slight movements can cause pain.

Treatment

The treatment aims at managing the symptoms and preventing future attacks. 

Medications for migraines include pain relievers and preventive medications such as blood-pressure lowering agents, antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs.

What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headache is the most common type of headache that causes mild to moderate pain. The pain is often described as a tight band around the head. 

It is of two types, episodic (lasts from 15 minutes for a week and occurs repeatedly) and chronic (lasts for hours and maybe continuous).

Causes

The exact cause of tension headache is not known. It is believed to stem from emotional problems such as stress or tension and in some cases as the result of muscular contractions of the head, neck and scalp. 

Stress is the most common trigger of tension-type headaches.

Symptoms 

Common symptoms of a tension headache include:

  • Dull pain. Dull aching pain around the head is the most common symptom of tension-type headaches.

  • Tightness or pressure. A constant feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of your head can be felt.

  • Muscle tenderness. In most cases, you may experience tenderness in the muscles of the scalp, neck and shoulders.

Treatment

A variety of medications, both prescription and non-prescription are used in the treatment of tension headaches. 

It includes pain relievers and other preventive medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Your doctor will continuously monitor your progress while on medications as the preventive medications can take a few weeks to start showing their effect.

If you are frequently experiencing headaches, consult your doctor to identify the type of headache and take the appropriate treatment. Avoid self-medication. 

 

Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.