Migraines and frequent headaches (such as tension headaches) are two common but very different conditions that affect the quality of life of millions of people. Many people may confuse these two types of pain due to the similarity of some symptoms, but the nature of migraine and regular headaches are very different. To understand exactly how a migraine differs from a regular headache, consider the characteristics of each of these conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

The main types of headaches

Before we get into the differences, it's important to understand that headaches can be divided into two main categories:

  • Primary headaches are independent diseases that are not caused by other diseases. They include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.
  • Secondary headaches are headaches that are symptoms of other diseases, such as infection, head injury, sinusitis, and others.

When we talk about "common" headaches, we usually mean tension headaches, which are the most common type of primary headache.

What is a tension headache?

Tension-type headaches (or tension headaches) are the most common type of headache. Almost everyone experiences them at least once in their life. There are many factors that can contribute to their development, but the main ones are stress, fatigue, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, and prolonged periods in uncomfortable positions, such as when working at a computer.

Common symptoms of tension headache include:

  • Pain of moderate intensity. This is usually mild to moderate pain that doesn't interfere with daily activities.
  • Pain on both sides. Most often, the pain is felt on both sides of the head, sometimes around the circumference, as if the head is being crushed by a tire.
  • The compressive nature of the pain. The pain may be described as pressure or heaviness but not throbbing.

Tension headaches can last from half an hour to several days but are usually not permanent or chronic.

What is a migraine?

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe headache attacks. It is a complex disease associated with changes in the functioning of the brain and nervous system. Migraines are often accompanied by a number of other symptoms that distinguish them from ordinary headaches.

Migraine symptoms are:

  • Shooting or stabbing pain. One of the main symptoms of a migraine is intense, often throbbing pain. The pain is usually localized on one side of the head but can spread to both sides.
  • Nausea and vomiting. During a migraine attack, patients often experience nausea and vomiting.
  • Sensitivity to light and noise. During a migraine, people are often particularly sensitive to bright lights (photophobia) and loud sounds (phonophobia). Some migraine sufferers can't even be in noisy or lighted areas.
  • Duration: 4 to 72 hours. Unlike tension headaches, migraines can last for a long time, from a few hours to a few days.

In some patients, migraines begin with what is called an aura - visual or sensory disturbances. These can be light flashes, flickering spots in front of the eyes, temporary loss of vision, or tingling in the limbs.

Causes and triggers

The causes of migraines and frequent headaches vary.

Causes of tension headaches:

  • Physical strain. Long-term tension in the neck and head muscles can lead to tension headaches. This can be caused by sedentary work, poor posture, or lack of exercise.
  • Psychological stress. Emotional stress, anxiety, and fatigue are the main psychological factors that cause tension headaches.
  • Sleep disorders. Too much or too little sleep can occasionally cause headaches.

Causes of migraines:

  • Genetic predisposition. Studies show that migraines are genetic and often hereditary.
  • Brain dysfunction. Changes in serotonin levels and other neurotransmitters play an important role in the development of migraines.
  • Hormonal changes. In women, migraines are often associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
  • External triggers. Certain foods, smells, weather changes, bright lights, loud noises, and even strong emotions can trigger a migraine attack.

Effects on daily life

Another important difference between a migraine and a regular headache is how it affects daily life. A tension headache doesn't usually affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Although it can be uncomfortable, it can be tolerated or suppressed with pain medication.

Migraines significantly limit activity. People with migraines are often forced to give up work and go to dark rooms to avoid bright lights and noise. During severe migraine attacks, the pain can be so severe that sufferers completely lose their ability to perform everyday tasks.

Treatment options

Tension headache treatment and migraine treatment are also different.

Treatment of tension headaches:

  • Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol often help to relieve the pain.
  • Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, massage, and stretching exercises can help prevent headaches caused by muscle tension.

Migraine treatment:

  • Special medications - triptans, which help to relieve a migraine attack.
  • Preventive treatment includes beta-blockers, antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs to prevent attacks.
  • Avoiding triggers such as certain foods, stress, and weather changes is also important to control migraines.

The bottom line

The main difference between a migraine and a regular headache is the intensity, duration, presence of accompanying symptoms, and impact on daily life. A common tension headache is milder and more temporary, while a migraine is a chronic condition that requires special treatment and a more thorough approach to prevention.