Headache or migraine? How to tell the difference

A person suffering from a headache might confuse it with a migraine, and vice versa. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, a migraine can have more severe aches compared to a regular tension headache. 

Migraines stem from issues in neurological pathways, inflicting severe throbbing pain. According to NDTV, a person suffering from chronic migraine may have a recurring headache for at least 15 days per month. 

Headaches with a lesser frequency can advance into more frequent patterns, causing chronic migraines. 

One can distinguish common headaches from chronic migraines by observing the duration of key symptoms. Symptoms of the two include throbbing pain, intense aches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. 

The difference between the two is the duration of the aches. To be diagnosed with chronic migraine, a person will have headaches for a minimum of 15 days a month. 

Also Read: What are the early symptoms of AIDS?

While migraine triggers vary in different individuals, common triggers include stress, insomnia, and caffeine. Due to constant hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, women are more likely to suffer from migraines. 

Chronic migraine is a result of neurological imbalance and can lead to other neurological symptoms. Due to excruciating pain and related symptoms, migraine patients lead a poor quality of life, with the inability to proactively perform daily tasks and activities. 

Also Read: 5 signs to know if someone could be having a brain stroke

The severity of migraines can be lowered with timely diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan. Most patients are prescribed pain relief meds, although excessive medication can trigger drug-induced headaches. More extensive treatments such as aggressive injections are used in patients that do not respond well to standard medication.

Also Read: Children can carry omicron COVID strain without health consequences: study

It is crucial for patients with drug-induced headaches to go on a medication detox under medical supervision. 

Chronic migraines can be alleviated by managing stress levels, exercising, staying hydrated, and making healthy lifestyle changes, according to Dr. Rahul Kulkarni, a neurologist at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune.