Alester Brown

Migraines vs. Headaches

According to the National Institute of Health, migraines affect an estimated one billion people annually. They impact more women than they do men, and the pain can severely impact one's ability to work, enjoy life and even sleep.

Many people seek healthcare, hoping to see a doctor for migraines. However, there are many misconceptions about the severity of migraines and how they affect individuals. So, when does a simple headache turn into something worse?

Understanding Headaches

Headaches are more common than migraines, and there are a few different types you can experience. The one that people often mistake for a migraine is a tension headache.

Tension headaches are often a byproduct of emotional, physical or mental stress. Typically, they cause noticeable pain that feels like a tight band around the head. Or, it may create pressure on either side of your head. Either way, the pain can last for a few hours or several.

Comparatively, the pain from a tension headache is less severe than a migraine or other types of headaches, such as sinus or cluster headaches. Many describe the feeling of a tension headache as more tiring than anything else. It can still negatively impact your life, so it's wise to see a doctor if the pain persists.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are more severe than common tension headaches. They, too, can last several days. However, the pain is more localized to one side of the head. Furthermore, migraines come with additional symptoms that can affect your comfort and well-being.

For example, many people with migraines experience nausea. Sensitivity to light, smell, sound and even touch are common, too. Additionally, migraines sometimes follow a light haze and create blurry vision as you're dealing with the discomfort.

If you notice these symptoms, speak to a doctor for migraines. Without treatment, migraines can worsen and continue affecting your life for several days. Recurring migraines also have a connection to a higher risk of ischaemic stroke and hypertension. Seeing a doctor can help you mitigate those risks, get to the root of the problem and develop a treatment plan that may prevent migraines from affecting you in the future.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at online telehealth blog.