We’ve all had a headache. Maybe it was from stress, not drinking enough water or staring at a screen too long. But if you’ve ever experienced intense head pain that feels like it’s taking over your whole day, you might have wondered if it was a bad headache or a migraine. Understanding migraine vs. headache differences can help you get the right treatment.
If your migraines or headaches are frequent or impacting your daily life, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
What is a headache?
A regular headache is usually less intense than a migraine attack and doesn’t last as long. The most common type is a tension headache, which often feels like a band of pressure around your forehead or the back of your head. You might also feel tightness in your neck and shoulders.
This type of headache pain usually builds slowly and isn’t made worse by light or sound. Most people can push through it and go about their day, even if it’s a little uncomfortable.
What is a migraine?
Migraines are more than just strong headaches. A migraine attack can cause pounding or throbbing head pain – often on one side of the head, though it can shift or affect both sides. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours up to 72 hours, and the pain can be severe enough to keep you in bed.
Common symptoms of migraines can include:
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines or blurry vision (often called aura)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Not everyone who experiences migraines has aura, but those who do usually notice it about 60 minutes before the pain begins. For some, it can be a helpful warning sign to take action early.
Migraine vs. headache: Key differences
While both migraines and headaches can bring discomfort, there are a few simple ways to tell them apart:
| Feature | Headache | Migraine |
| Location of pain | Both sides or all over | Often one side of the head |
| Pain quality | Dull or pressing | Throbbing or pulsing |
| Duration | A few hours | Up to 72 hours |
| Other symptoms | Rare | Nausea, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound |
| Activity impact | Mild | Can be disabling |
Types of headaches
There are several types of headaches, each with different causes and characteristics. In addition to tension headaches, you might hear about:
- Cluster headache: Sudden, intense pain around one eye, often with tearing or nasal congestion. These usually come in cycles and can be extremely painful.
- Sinus headache: Caused by sinus pressure or infection, often with facial pain and stuffiness.
Knowing what type you’re dealing with can help you find better relief.
What triggers migraines?
Risk factors for migraines include genetics, hormone changes, stress, diet and sleep patterns. Common triggers include:
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Bright lights or loud noises
- Certain foods or drinks
- Changes in weather
Since it varies from person to person, it can help to keep a headache diary to track your patterns.
Managing and preventing migraines
If you know you’re prone to migraines, the good news is there are ways to manage your symptoms and prevent migraines. Catching the early signs of a migraine attack can make a big difference.
Treatment options can look like:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription medications
- Nasal spray or injectables for fast relief
- Preventive medications, usually taken daily
- Lifestyle changes like regular sleep, hydration and stress management
How we can help
Migraines aren’t just “bad headaches” – they’re a neurological condition. Understanding the difference between a migraine vs. headache is the first step to finding better relief and getting back to feeling like yourself.
Knowing whether you’re dealing with a tension headache or a migraine isn’t always easy, especially since symptoms can overlap. But if your headache pain lasts longer than a few hours, is accompanied by nausea or visual disturbances or keeps you from doing normal activities, it’s worth getting it checked out.
If you’re having frequent or severe headache attacks, make an appointment with your primary care provider to determine what is causing them and the right treatment for your condition.
Learn about the primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
