Do you sometimes feel like you have a pounding sensation in your head? Are you not sure if it’s a migraine or just a headache? If so, don’t worry; you’re not alone. It can be difficult to tell the difference between migraines and headaches. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between migraines vs. headaches and help you figure out which one you are experiencing.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines typically occur on one side of the head but can affect both sides in some cases. The pain can last anywhere from hours to days at a time with no relief in sight!
What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of a Migraine?
There are several tell-tale signs that you may be experiencing a migraine. These include:
- A throbbing sensation on one side of the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes to your balance or spatial reasoning
- Difficulty forming speech or thinking
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is likely that you are dealing with a migraine vs. a headache.
What Are Headaches?
Headaches are another form of pain that occurs in your skull. Unlike migraines, though, headaches tend not to be as severe and don’t have other symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light/sound with them (though they do sometimes). They also don’t last as long – most people find relief within an hour or two after taking over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
How Are Headaches Different from Migraines?
There are a few key ways that headaches differ from migraines:
- Headaches are typically not as severe
- They don’t have other accompanying symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light/sound
- They usually resolve within an hour or two
- Headaches can be caused by many different factors, including stress, dehydration, and allergies. Migraines, on the other hand, are believed to be caused by changes in the brain chemistry.
If you are still unsure of whether you are experiencing a migraine or a headache, it is best to speak with the doctors at Midwest Pain Clinics. They will be able to help diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment for you. Contact us about headache treatment in Omaha today.
Are you having headaches? Read What Kind of Headache Do I Have? A Look at the Common Types of Headaches.
