Headache vs. migraine: Key differences and symptoms explained

More than 40 million Americans experience migraine or other debilitating headache disorders, according to the National Headache Foundation. People who experience headaches may wonder whether they have migraines or if their headaches are caused by something else.

Headache

A headache is best thought of as a symptom rather than a disorder. It can occur in healthy individuals for a number of reasons. Here are few common potential causes:

• dehydration
• wearing a hat that is too tight (tension headache)
• sinus inflammation due to an infection or allergens

Migraine

Migraine is a neurological condition usually characterized by attacks of headache and other associated symptoms. It can last for hours or days, but for some people with chronic migraine, the symptoms can feel constant. Common symptoms of migraine:

• pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of the head (though it can be on both sides and feel more like pressure or sharp stabbing)
• sensitivity to sound, light or smells
• nausea or vomiting

Neurologic symptoms that may occur before or during the headache phase of migraine may include:

• visual disturbances
• numbness/tingling
• difficulty with speech/language
• dizziness

Key differences between headache and migraine

Five things should be considered when breaking down the key differences between tension headache and migraine:

• pain
• associated symptoms
• triggers
• duration
• cause
• impact

How to evaluate if it's a headache or migraine

Treatments for headache and migraine

Tension headaches and migraines have different but sometimes overlapping treatments.

Tension headache treatments

These headaches are usually linked to muscle tension or everyday stress, so treatments focus on easing that strain and restoring comfort. Here are some common treatment strategies:

• over-the-counter medications like naproxen, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or Excedrin®
• physical therapy or other local treatment like trigger point injections
• rest
• hydration
• muscle relaxants or other medications that reduce muscle spasm and pain to prevent tension headache in those who experience it frequently

Migraine treatments

When it comes to treating migraine, we think in terms of immediate relief (acute) and prevention. 

Acute treatments can help stop migraine attacks or lessen the symptoms. They include:

• Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or Excedrin®.
• Migraine-specific medication such as sumatriptan. These are available in oral tablet form or more rapid non-oral forms like nasal spray or injection.
• Neuromodulation devices: wearable or implantable devices that use electrical stimulation.
• Medications to treat associated symptoms like nausea or muscle spasm.

Preventive treatments, when taken regularly, help lessen the severity of migraine attacks and how often they occur. The goal is to stop migraine attacks before they start. Preventive treatments include:

• daily medications
• supplements
• holistic treatments that can include lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, exercising and using relaxation techniques
• medical procedures like Botox for chronic migraine prevention
• nerve blocks

Treatment plans are created specifically for each patient because some treatments work better for one individual than another. If you are struggling with the impact of headache or migraine on your life, it may be time to tell your symptoms to your primary care physician. In some cases, the involvement of a neurologist/headache specialist can be helpful as well.