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How to Distinguish a Headache from a Migraine

dr shukla neurologist tx
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shukla
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dr shukla neurologist tx
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shukla

It is important to understand that health is a priority and very important for a person. Any health issues can negatively impact a person’s overall well-being. Everyone has experienced various types of pain at some point. Someone had a toothache, someone had a stomach ache, and some people had a headache. This type of pain can be particularly unpleasant and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s important to take pain medication promptly to alleviate discomfort. A headache often has several symptoms, but they are not so bad. Sometimes people confuse a headache with a migraine. Migraines can often cause nausea and sensitivity to light. It is important to start dealing with this problem in a timely manner. It is also important to understand how to tell a migraine from a headache. This understanding will help you identify the factors causing your pain. A headache can be relieved with common over-the-counter medications. Migraines often require more specialized treatment. 

Migraine vs Headache: Key Differences

It is important to understand migraine vs headache: key differences. Both migraines and headaches can cause significant discomfort, occurring at various times and lasting for different durations. Both migraines and headaches have negative consequences. However, a headache can go away quickly and be almost asymptomatic. It is essential to understand their differences and what causes them.

  • Migraine. Migraine is considered a neurological condition. Migraines can usually occur unexpectedly and disturb a person. The pain and tingling sensation typically affects one side of the head. Often, this pain can be associated with tingling or confusion. With migraines, the pain often feels like it’s radiating throughout the head. Migraine usually has its symptoms that are very negative. The differences between migraine and regular headache symptoms are significant. A person with a migraine may often experience symptoms such as vomiting. A person may feel nauseous all the time; they may react negatively to different sounds and light. During a migraine, even looking around can be difficult and may cause eye pain. 
  • Headache. It is essential to understand the causes of headaches and their consequences. Often, headaches are accompanied by tingling and aching all over the head or in two parts of the head. Such pain can be very unpleasant and intense. It usually occurs due to a variety of factors and triggers. An interesting question is how to know if it’s a headache or migraine. People who have heavy physical work are constantly stressed and nervous and often have headaches. The headache occurs against the background of fatigue, stress, and brain damage. It is essential to understand when you have a headache and when you really have a migraine. A headache can usually last from a few minutes to days. 

Signs of a Migraine vs Regular Headache

Signs-of-a-Migraine

It is very important to understand the signs of a migraine vs. a regular headache. Migraine and headache treatments are different. It is important to understand and identify what exactly is going on with you. Understanding your condition can help you actively participate in your treatment. Here are the main signs of migraine and headache:

 

Migraine symptoms Symptoms of a headache
  • Migraines are usually accompanied by throbbing pain on one side of the head. If you feel this pain, you most likely have this problem.
  • You should know how to distinguish migraine symptoms. Migraine is also accompanied by blurred vision before it starts. The person begins to see very poorly, and the eyes seem to flicker. 
  • The person cannot speak normally and has difficulties with speech. There is also numbness in the limbs, all of which indicate the onset of migraine.
  • If you often have problems with nausea and vomiting, you most likely have a migraine. During a migraine, eating and drinking can be very difficult.
  • A person who has a migraine is very sensitive to various sounds. When a migraine occurs, a person cannot perceive even the slightest sounds normally. 
  • It is essential to understand that a migraine can last for a very long time. It is usually accompanied by pain from several hours to several days. 
  • Understanding how to tell a migraine from a headache will help you a lot. A headache is accompanied by aching and mild tingling. Usually, this pain is dull and depressing.
  • If you have problems with headaches, you know that they are coming and starting to bother you. The headache usually spreads all over your head. It can also spread to your neck and shoulders. You will feel aching, tingling, and unpleasant sensations.
  • Unlike a migraine, a headache is not dangerous. To relieve it, you can take anti-inflammatory and pain relievers yourself. 
  • A headache, like a migraine, can last from several hours to several days. But unlike a migraine, a headache has fewer symptoms and is less painful. So you will be able to know the answer to the question of how to know if it’s a headache or migraine.

How to Distinguish Migraine Symptoms

It is important to understand when you really have a headache and when a migraine begins. This understanding will help you quickly find the problem and seek treatment. Migraine is a severe illness that is best recognized from the very beginning. This approach will help you see a doctor on time and take care of your health. Here are some tips to help you know the answer to the question. So, how to distinguish migraine symptoms:

  • It is important to understand migraine symptoms and their frequency. Think about where exactly you have pain and on which sides of your head. Also, pay attention to the pace of the pain. Migraines usually have stronger, tingling, and more powerful pain.
  • Pay attention to whether you feel dizzy or nauseous before a migraine and whether you feel well. It is also essential to think about whether you have problems with numbness in your limbs and tongue.
  • Think about whether you can see well or if you have blurred vision. It is also essential to pay attention to whether you hear extraneous sounds. If you can easily tolerate others’ voices and normal sounds, it’s more likely to be a headache than a migraine.
  • It is essential to know how to distinguish migraine symptoms. If you feel nauseous and start vomiting and feel dizzy, you have a migraine. Also, pay attention to the pace and timing of the pain.

How to Know if It’s a Headache or Migraine

You should know your symptoms and understand whether you have a migraine or a headache. This approach will help you to seek medical attention in a timely manner. Understanding whether you are having a migraine will allow you to quickly address the problem. A headache can be rapidly relieved with painkillers. To solve a migraine problem, you need to seek treatment. You know best how to know if it’s a headache or migraine. You need to pay attention to where exactly you have pain. If it hurts on one side, it is a migraine; if it hurts on both sides, it is a headache. You should also pay attention to the symptoms you experience during the pain. A headache has mild symptoms that are not accompanied by anything bad. Migraines are characterized by severe symptoms accompanied by numbness, nausea, and loss of speech. 

Managing Headaches and Migraines: Treatment Options

Managing-Headaches

The question “how to know if it’s a headache or migraine?” is essential. The right approach to understanding whether you have a migraine or a headache will help you to treat it properly. There are different ways to relieve migraines and headaches. Here are some of them:

  • For headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers can often help manage the pain. If you have a migraine, it is better to visit a doctor who will prescribe you a prescription. These painkillers are also suitable for severe headaches. You can also take particular preventive medications to reduce the frequency of migraines.
  • It is important to understand that reducing pain and migraines also affects your quality of life. To avoid questions about how to tell a migraine from a headache, it is better to take care of yourself. Drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Establish a regular sleep schedule so that your body can rest. Eat only healthy and wholesome food. Walking in the fresh air and physical activity will be a great advantage. 
  • The best option is to consult a doctor, who can help diagnose your specific condition and symptoms. The doctor will help you find out if you have a headache and relieve it quickly. 

Conclusion: Empower Yourself with Knowledge

It is essential to understand migraine vs headache: key differences. These two conditions are very unpleasant and cause pain. A headache is accompanied by mild symptoms and can last from several hours to several days. Migraines are characterized by worse and more painful symptoms. But migraines, like headaches, last from several hours to several days. The best option to get rid of this pain is to see a doctor. They will provide necessary assistance and conduct a thorough examination. The doctor will help you understand the symptoms and your condition. The professional will also prescribe you a treatment to help eliminate the migraine or the headache. To help manage these conditions, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Include healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet. Do not forget about regular exercise and good quality sleep.

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Lone Star Neurology
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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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