What’s the difference between a headache and a migraine?
There are several differences between headaches and migraines, including:
Pain location
Headaches typically cause pain on both sides of the head, while migraines are usually felt on one side.
Pain severity
Migraines are often more severe than regular headaches.
Pain type
Migraines often feel like a throbbing or pounding, while headaches can feel like a band or vice around the head.
Other symptoms
Migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, mood changes, fatigue, and sensitivity to light, sound, or noise.
Duration
A typical headache lasts between 5 minutes and 4 hours, while migraines can last for days or even longer. Migraines may last between 24 and 36 hours, and often follow a pattern.
Triggers
Headaches (especially tension) can be triggered by stress, anxiety, muscle strain, or eyestrain.
Migraine can be triggered being on your period; and even certain foods, such as cheese or marmite.
Prodrome phase
The prodrome is the first phase of a migraine attack and can be a key warning sign. It’s characterised by a range of physical and mental changes that can occur up to 48 hours before a headache
Postdrome stage
Migraines can have a postdrome stage that lasts for a few hours up to 48 hours. This stage can feel similar to an alcohol-induced hangover.
Most people will be able to identify a pattern to the headache. But if you’re having more than five migraines a month, you should see your GP.
