Difference Between Normal Headache And Migraine: Understanding the differences between normal headaches and migraine is essential for effective management and treatment. Recognising the characteristics, causes and impacts of both headaches can help in better management.
It Is Migraine Or Headache: The approach to headache relies on the patient’s history, perhaps more than any other field in neurology. Laboratory tests and imaging studies like MRI and CT scans help in diagnosing a secondary headache disorder.
The majority of patients with headaches seen in the outpatient setting have a primary headache disorder, most often migraine.
A structured systematic approach would help in deciding whether it is a normal headache or a migrainous headache. Dr.
Amrut SD, Associate Consultant Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Goa explains the major differences between a normal headache and migraine headache.
How to differentiate between Normal Headache and Migraine Headache
Normal Headache
Normal headaches often feel like a tight band around the head or a steady, dull ache. It’s a featureless headache, which rarely comes with additional symptoms. It typically affects both sides of the head and may spread to the neck or shoulders. Generally mild to moderate on visual analogue scale; doesn’t usually interfere with daily activities.
The usual duration is 30 minutes to several hours but usually subsides with normal pain relief medications. A person might feel a bit irritable or fatigued, but there are no severe symptoms like nausea or visual disturbances.
Migraine Headache
Migraines can be with aura (preceded by visual disturbances like flashing lights or some zig-zag line which are black and white) or without aura. Headaches are often unilateral (one side. of the head) but can affect both sides. The pain can be intense and pulsating or throbbing which can be debilitating. It can significantly impair daily activities and often requires prescription m.,dication for relief. It lasts from 4 to 72 hours.
Triggers are common which can cause hunger, travel, exposure to bright lights, smell etc.
Symptoms of Migraine Headache
They may occur infrequently or multiple times a month. Some people also experience chronic migraines depending on the frequency per month. Migraines are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
Some people also experience visual disturbances (auras) or neurological symptoms like tingling in the limbs. Usually, respond to a class of drugs called NSAIDs and Triptans.
Treatment can be planned based on the frequency of headaches. It can be abortive (for immediate pain relief) or preventive treatment.
Normal headaches are often manageable. Migraines are more intense, can be debilitating, and often require specific treatment strategies like Triptans. Recognizing the differences can help in seeking the appropriate treatment and managing symptoms effestively.
