What is the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?

Many people use the terms headache and migraine interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct conditions. It is beneficial to know what the differences between headaches and migraines are so you can treat them correctly and effectively.

Headaches
Headaches are common and pretty much everyone will have them during their lifetime. They can be mild or severe and the pain is usually in the forehead and face, but can extend to the temples and back of the neck. Headaches are not generally caused by any underlying conditions.

Two of the most painful headaches are tension-type headaches and cluster headaches.

A tension-type headache can feel like a constant ache on both sides of the head. There is also neck pain, neck stiffness, and pressure behind the eyes. Tension-type headaches are caused by things like stress, poor posture, and dehydration.

Cluster headaches are less common and are located behind the eye or on one side of the head. They come on suddenly and occur multiple times throughout the day. It is thought they are caused by smoking, alcohol, or from reactions to strong smells like perfume or paint.

Migraines
Migraines are a much more intense headache disorder and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. They are a chronic, debilitating condition and the cause for them is unknown.

The head pain in a migraine is often just on one side of the head but it is possible for it to be on both sides. The pain and throbbing can be so bad that you are unable to go about your daily life. Migraines also come with a whole host of other unpleasant symptoms.

Common Migraine Symptoms:

  • Pain behind one ear/eye or pain in the temples
  • Problems with your vision
  • Sensitivity to sound, light, and smells
  • Feeling nauseous or unwell
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Stiff neck

Another difference between headaches and migraines is that the symptoms of migraines can begin long before the head pain starts. 

Now that you can identify the type of headache disorder you are experiencing, you can buy the right pain relief tablets to treat it. At Pearl Chemist you can buy migraine pain relief tablets and Vantage Ibuprofen Tablets online in the UK. To browse your options for migraine relief, visit our online shop  https://www.pearlchemist.co.uk/