Here's how to know if you're having a migraine
Headaches are among the most common health complaints, but not all headaches are the same. Many people live with recurring, intense head pain without realizing they may actually be experiencing migraines. Knowing whether your headache is a migraine matters, because migraines often require different management and treatment strategies compared to a tension or sinus headache.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition, not just a simple headache. It often causes moderate to severe pain, typically on one side of the head, and is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating.
Key Differences Between Migraines and Other Headaches
1. Pain Location and Intensity
- Tension Headache: Usually mild to moderate, with pressure or tightness across the forehead or back of the head.
- Sinus Headache: Pain and pressure around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, often with nasal congestion.
- Migraine: Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head.
2. Associated Symptoms
- Migraines often come with additional symptoms, such as:
-
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
- Blurred vision or aura (flashes of light, zig-zag patterns)
- Duration
-
- Tension Headache: A few hours to a day.
- Sinus Headache: Persists as long as the sinus issue remains.
- Migraine: Can last 4–72 hours if untreated.
3. Triggers
Migraines are often triggered by specific factors such as stress, certain foods (chocolate, aged cheese, alcohol), hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or weather changes. Tension and sinus headaches usually don’t follow this trigger pattern.
When to Suspect a Migraine
You might be dealing with migraines if:
- Your headaches are recurrent and severe, often disabling.
- You experience nausea, sensitivity to light or sound with your headaches.
- You notice specific triggers that consistently precede your headache.
- Your headache pain lasts longer than a typical tension headache.
When to See a Doctor
If your headaches are frequent, worsening, or interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can help diagnose whether you’re experiencing migraines and guide you on effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Bottom Line
Not every headache is a migraine, but if you find your pain is severe, recurring, and comes with other neurological symptoms, you may be living with migraines without knowing it. Identifying them correctly is the first step toward proper relief and better quality of life.
Learn More About Us
If you have joint pain, muscle pain or headaches that makes it hard to move, Zanskar offers the most advanced full stack pain relief solutions for you.
Now available to purchase, Zanskar® pain-care range have unique bio-active formulations. It provides lasting relief from muscle and joint discomfort that you can feel good about. Get your fix before stocks run out - buy now.
You can also gain access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition by downloading the Zanskar Health physiotherapy mobile app. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you, including behavioral and nutritional coaching.
Download our mobile app here 👉 download and track your exercise streak.
Medical Review: This article is written and medically reviewed by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health). This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
