Discerning the subtle variations between a migraine and a regular headache is of utmost importance. Bend Headache Center, a premier medical institution in Bend, Oregon, specializes in managing migraines and headaches and offers significant insights into their diagnosis and treatment.
What are Headaches?
A headache is a discomfort felt in any location of the head. It is a common condition and can be triggered by numerous factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. Regular headaches, medically termed “tension-type headaches,” are generally characterized by a tight band-like sensation around the head and mild to moderate pain.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that features debilitating headaches and other symptoms. These headaches typically involve severe pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of the head. Accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, migraines may last from a few hours to several days.
Differences Between Migraines and Regular Headaches
The team at Bend Headache Center has found that understanding the differences between migraines and regular headaches is critical for a correct diagnosis. This understanding further helps in prescribing the right treatment modalities that can effectively mitigate the symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Here are some salient differences:
- Degree and Nature of Pain: While regular headaches result in mild to moderate pain, migraines are characterized by intense and often unbearable pain. The nature of a headache is akin to a tight band around the head, while migraines give rise to a throbbing or pulsating sensation.
- Location of Pain: Regular headaches tend to present as diffused pain across the entire head. On the other hand, migraines typically concentrate on one side of the head.
- Associated Symptoms: In a standard headache, symptoms predominantly include head pain. In contrast, migraines come bundled with symptoms like visual disturbances — known as an aura — nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sound.
Managing Migraines and Regular Headaches
Bend Headache Center specializes in non-surgical and drug-free solutions that offer relief from migraine and regular headache symptoms. While over-the-counter medications can help alleviate headache pain, migraines often require multifaceted treatment, including lifestyle modifications, pain management techniques, and specific medical interventions.
While understanding the intrinsic differences between a migraine and a regular headache is crucial, remember that neither should be ignored. If you frequently suffer from either, it’s paramount to seek professional help.
