Differentiating between a regular headache and a migraine involves considering several factors:
1. Pain Intensity: Migraines are typically characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, while regular headaches often involve milder, steady pain on both sides.
2. Duration: Migraines tend to last longer than regular headaches, often lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, while regular headaches may resolve more quickly.
3. Associated Symptoms: Migraines often come with additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sound (phonophobia). Regular headaches may lack these accompanying symptoms.
4. Auras: Migraines with aura involve visual disturbances or other sensory changes that can occur before the headache phase. Auras are not present in regular headaches.
5. Aggravation by Activity: Migraines can worsen with physical activity, while regular headaches might not be as affected by movement.
6. Triggers: Migraines are often triggered by specific factors such as certain foods, weather changes, hormonal fluctuations, or stress. Regular headaches might not have distinct triggers.
7. Impact on Daily Life: Migraines can be debilitating, significantly affecting your ability to carry out daily tasks, whereas regular headaches might be more manageable.
8. Family History: If migraines run in your family, there’s a higher chance that your headaches could be migraines rather than regular tension-type headaches.
9. Response to Medications: Migraines tend to respond better to specific migraine medications, while regular headaches might be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers.
It’s important to note that not all headaches fit neatly into these categories, and some individuals might experience variations. If you’re unsure about the type of headache you’re experiencing or if your headaches are becoming more frequent or severe,
It’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies contact Dr. Amit Shah, a senior consultant Neurologist in Kandivali practising at Dr. Amit Shah Neurology Clinic.