Migraine can also cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to bright light or loud sounds. Understanding the differences between a common headache and migraine can help people recognise the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
According to medical experts, the nature of the pain, accompanying symptoms and how long it lasts can help distinguish between the two conditions.
Where and How Does the Pain Occur?
A tension-type headache typically causes pressure, tightness or a feeling of heaviness on both sides of the head. Some people describe it as feeling as though a tight band has been wrapped around their head.
Migraine pain, by contrast, often affects one side of the head and may feel throbbing or pulsating. However, it can sometimes affect both sides.
Pain on one side of the head alone does not confirm migraine, as other symptoms must also be considered.
Nausea and Sensitivity to Light Are Important Signs
A tension-type headache generally causes pressure or tightness, while migraine pain can range from moderate to severe. Physical activity, such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying out routine tasks, may make migraine pain worse.
Migraine is more than just a headache. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises.
Some people prefer to lie down in a dark, quiet room during an attack because light and sound can intensify their discomfort.
How Long Does a Headache Last?
The duration of the pain is another factor that can help distinguish between the two conditions.
A tension-type headache may last from 30 minutes to several hours, and people can often continue their daily activities despite the discomfort.
A migraine attack, however, can significantly interfere with daily life. The pain may worsen with movement or physical activity and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.
Without treatment, a migraine attack can last between four and 72 hours. The intensity of the pain may fluctuate during this period.
Seeing Flashing Lights or Changes in Vision
Some people with migraine experience visual disturbances before or during a headache. These may include flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots in their field of vision.
Others may experience tingling or numbness in their hands or feet, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms can occur as part of migraine with aura, although not everyone with migraine experiences them.
However, sudden changes in vision or difficulty speaking should not automatically be attributed to migraine, as they can also indicate other serious medical conditions.
People should consult a doctor if their headaches occur frequently, become severe, interfere with daily activities or suddenly feel different from previous episodes.
A sudden, extremely severe headache, particularly one described as the worst headache of a person's life, requires immediate medical attention. The same applies if a headache is accompanied by weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness or sudden vision problems.
Although ordinary headaches and migraines can share some symptoms, diagnosing the condition based solely on the location or intensity of the pain is not advisable. A medical assessment can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
