How do you know if you're having a migraine or a headache?

Headaches are, unfortunately, a part of life. They can be triggered by many things, from eating cheese or ice cream to swimming goggles. Nine out of 10 people have had a headache.

While they are less common, more than 20 crore people in India were found to be suffering from migraine in 2019, i.e. 15% of total population of India. Of these, 60% of these cases were reported by women. 

Due to hormonal factors, migraines are believed to affect more women than men, and migraines typically run in families. A new report by the American research journal Lancet Global Health shows prevalence of migraine was higher in women aged 35–59 years than in men of the same age. Prevalence was found to have increased with age and peaked at around age 40–44 years, followed by a gradual decrease in both females and males.

What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?

A tension-type headache, the most common type of headache, causes pain on both sides of the head. It's a tight pressure rather than a throbbing, and you might also have soreness in your temples, neck and shoulder muscles. Headache pain isn't usually considered 'severe'.

Migraine, on the other hand, has many symptoms — including headache. This can feel like a throbbing pain that might be worse on one side of your head. You can also feel pain around your eyes, temples, face, jaw or neck. The pain may increase with physical activity, which is why it helps to lie down.

But the key difference between a headache and migraine? Migraines can be distressing and debilitating and can affect your whole body. People can feel vaguely unwell for a day or two before a migraine headache comes on (although not all migraines involve headache). Once it has started, a migraine headache can last for between 4 hours and several days.

Migraine is ranked the sixth most disabling disease in the world. —Global Burden of Disease

"Migraine is a chronic disorder of the brain with recurrent severe attacks... other common features [besides headache] are nausea or even vomiting," explains Assistant Professor of Neurology Yulia Orlova on The Conversation. "Many people have sensitivity to light, odours or sounds and are unable to carry on daily activity."

What is a 'migraine with aura'?

There are 2 types of migraine: migraine with aura, and without aura.

It might sound a bit paranormal, but migraine with aura is very real. Some people see flashing lights or a change in their vision; some having trouble speaking, and some feel 'pins and needles' (tingling) in their arms and legs. This can happen before or during a migraine attack.

Even if you get auras, you may not experience one with every migraine. The aura itself usually lasts less than an hour. Scientists aren't entirely sure why it happens.

Tips for dealing with migraines

If you suffer from migraine — or frequent headaches that concern you — you should see a doctor. In the meantime, these tips might help in preventing and treating migraines:

• While you have the headache, rest in a quiet, dark room. Get as much help as possible with any work or personal responsibilities.
• Migraines can be triggered by many things, including certain foods, changes in weather, alcoholic beverages and hormones. Keeping a migraine diary can identify potential triggers and help you and your doctor make a plan to prevent and treat future migraines.
• Stress is known to be a trigger for migraines. You can talk to your doctor or Zanskar Pain experts about relaxation techniques that may help manage stress. Similarly, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy that teaches a person to identify and challenge thoughts that lead to stress.
• Unless your doctor advises you to, don't take oral pain relief medicines for migraines. These medicines can make nausea and vomiting worse, and can be addictive. You can try topical ointments instead.

Migraines can force a person to miss important social, work and family commitments. Unless they understand what it's like to experience a migraine, your loved ones can become frustrated or resentful. If you suffer from migraines, try to educate others on how severe the symptoms of migraine can be.

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Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by the medical team 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.