Headaches and migraines are both types of head pain, but they differ in severity, location, and associated symptoms.
Key Differences Between Headaches and Migraines
| Feature | Headache (Tension) | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Location | Band-like pressure across forehead or sides | Often on one side of the head |
| Pain Severity | Tiring but not severe | More severe and intense |
| Other Symptoms | Usually none, sometimes muscle tenderness | May include nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity |
Understanding Tension Headaches
Tension headaches often feel like a tight band squeezing your head, with pain usually felt across the forehead or on either side of your head. While they can be tiring, the pain is not as intense as that of a migraine.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are characterized by more intense pain, often focused on one side of the head, as stated in the provided reference. In addition to the severe pain, migraines may come with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Practical Example
- Imagine you feel a constant pressure all around your head, like a tight headband. This is more indicative of a tension headache.
- Now, imagine you have a throbbing pain on one side of your head, and bright lights make you feel worse; this is more like a migraine.
Conclusion
In short, the main difference lies in the severity and location of the pain: headaches are typically less severe with pain spread across the head, while migraines tend to be more intense and often on one side of the head. The presence of accompanying symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity is also a distinguishing factor between these two conditions.
