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persistent Headaches are often thought of as nothing more than stress or exhaustion, but when they’re accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, or throbbing pain, they may actually be migraines – a neurological condition, not just a “bad headache.” It is important to know the difference, as each requires a different approach to management. By paying attention to the nature of the pain, associated symptoms, and how long the headache lasts, you can begin to differentiate tension headaches and migraines.
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Dr. Sarmed Mezhar, an England-based family medicine physician and health content creator, explains how to differentiate between standard Tension headache and migraine. In an Instagram video shared on Dec. 4, the doctor outlines the different causes and symptoms of each type of headache, explaining how to tell them apart.
tension headache
Dr. Meijer says a typical tension headache presents as a dull, pressure-like pain around the head. Discomfort is usually mild to moderate, allowing most people to continue with their daily activities. He explains, “A standard tension-type headache typically feels like a dull, tight, or pressure-like discomfort that wraps around the forehead, temples, or back of the head – almost like a band is being tightened. These headaches are usually mild to moderate, do not get worse with movement, and are not usually accompanied by Nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.,
Some of the triggers mentioned by the doctor included stress, poor posture, and muscle tension, and he noted that although tension headaches can be uncomfortable, they usually do not stop a person from going about their daily activities, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, with mild to moderate pain.
migraine
Dr. Mezher says that migraine, on the other hand, is a completely different condition, involving a complex neurological process. He explains, “They often manifest as throbbing or pulsating pain that is moderate to severe, usually on one side of the head. Migraines can be disabling and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and notable sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Some people also experience visual disturbances, known as an aura, before the pain begins.”
Doctors highlight that unlike tension headaches, migraines usually worsen with physical activity and can last from hours to several days. He elaborated, “Migraines can last anywhere from four hours to 72 hours, and involve a complex underlying process that causes moderate to severe pain due to changes in blood flow and neuronal activity.,
While stress and fatigue are common triggers for both, Dr. Mazer also says that certain foods, sensory input, and alcohol use can also trigger migraines. He highlights, “Understanding the difference helps guide appropriate treatment and explains why migraine is considered a neurological disorder rather than just a ‘bad headache’.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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