Understanding and distinguishing between different types of headaches is vital in getting the right diagnosis and, subsequently, the most effective treatment. At Bend Headache Center, we specialize in providing non-surgical and drug-free solutions for headaches, including cluster headaches and migraines. This article will delve deeper into distinguishing between these two debilitating conditions.
What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are one of the rarest types of headaches. Patients often describe them as piercing or burning sensations on one side of the head. These headaches come suddenly, causing severe pain within minutes. Bizarrely, they occur at the same time each day and can disappear just as suddenly as they occurred.
Some characteristics of cluster headaches include:
- An abrupt onset of pain
- Pain primarily on one side of the head
- Patterns of regular occurrence, often at the same time each day
- The potential to last as a chronic condition for years, or occur occasionally with periods of remission
At Bend Headache Center, we offer diagnostic and treatment services for cluster headaches, aiming to alleviate this debilitating condition.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines, often confused with severe headaches, are a neurological condition that comes with a myriad of symptoms. Severe and recurring headaches are certainly a primary symptom but are typically accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Some characteristics of migraines include:
- An intense, throbbing headache, often on one side of the head
- Visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots (termed as “aura”)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell
- A warning ‘phase’ (known as prodrome) where sufferers may have mood changes, neck stiffness, constipation, and food cravings
Migraines are debilitating and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. At the Bend Headache Center, we offer treatment to the root cause of migraines, rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Cluster Headaches vs. Migraines: Spotting the Differences
While both cluster headaches and migraines are severe headache disorders, there are key differences between the two.
These differences include:
- Timing: Cluster headaches usually have a pattern or occur during the same time each day. Migraines don’t typically have this pattern or timing.
- Length: Cluster headaches may last between 15 minutes to 3 hours, while migraines can endure from a few hours up to a few days.
- Symptoms: While both involve severe pain, migraines are often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, or sensitivity to light, sound, or certain smells. Cluster headaches do not usually have these additional symptoms.
- Distribution of pain: Migraines usually involve pain on one side of the head, while cluster headaches can cause pain near the eye or on one side of the face.
Understanding the differences between these conditions is the first step towards receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Understanding the Root Cause: Misdiagnosis is Common
Because of the intensity of both migraines and cluster headaches, they can often be mistaken for each other or other types of headaches. Misdiagnosis is common; in fact, up to 70% of headaches are misdiagnosed. Therefore, understanding the root cause of the headache is crucial. Whether it’s migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, or sinus headaches, the team at Bend Headache Center deeply believes that treating the cause instead of just the symptoms offers a more holistic, natural path to relief.
How Bend Headache Center Can Help
At Bend Headache Center in Bend, Oregon, we dedicate our practice to providing non-surgical and drug-free treatments for various headache disorders, like migraines and cluster headaches. Armed with an understanding of the underlying causes of these conditions, we’re here to provide relief for those suffering from the chronic pain these disorders can cause.
Our approach involves non-invasive, tailored treatment plans according to the specific type and frequency of your headache. We also guide you to make lifestyle changes as these can significantly reduce the frequency of headaches. With our commitment to solution-oriented practices, we aim to give you the tools to take control of your life back.
