Headaches vs. Migraines: What's the Difference?

Headaches and migraines are common ailments affecting approximately 40 percent of adults worldwide, yet they are often misunderstood. While headaches are an occasional inconvenience, migraines can be debilitating and significantly impact your overall quality of life. 

Knowing the differences between these two conditions and when to seek neurological care is the first step toward effective management and treatment.

Why do headaches and migraines happen?

Headaches can result from several factors, including stress, dehydration, poor posture, eye strain, sleep disturbances, or sinus issues. Common headaches, such as tension headaches, are often linked to muscle tension and stress. Tension headaches are usually mild to moderate in intensity and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle changes.

Migraines have more complex causes. “We still don’t fully understand exactly why migraines happen, but they may involve genetic and environmental factors,” said Bac X. Nguyen, M.D., a physician with Inspira Medical Group Primary Care.  “They can be triggered by hormonal changes, certain foods and beverages, stress, sensory stimuli, illnesses/infections, changes in sleep patterns and even weather changes.” Unlike common headaches, migraines are often accompanied by neurological symptoms and can be severe. These neurological symptoms include visual disturbances (flashing lights or blind spots/scotomas), numbness or tingling in the face or extremities, speech difficulties, dizziness and in some cases temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body—mimicking stroke.

Recognizing headache and migraine symptoms

Tension headaches generally present as a dull, aching pain in the head. They can be localized to certain areas or more generalized and sometimes feel like a tight band around the head. Symptoms may include:
 

• Gradual onset, steady, non-pulsating pain
• Mild to moderate intensity
• May have mild sensitivity to noise or light 

Migraines are characterized by more intense, at times disabling symptoms. They usually involve one side of the head and can last for hours or even days. Migraine symptoms can include:
 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Often rapid onset, severe, throbbing pain
• Sensitivity to light, sound and sometimes smell
• Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots (aura)

Managing headache and migraine pain effectively
“Treating tension headaches typically involves over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen,” said Dr. Nguyen. “Lifestyle modifications, like staying hydrated, maintaining good posture, reducing stress, engaging in regular physical activity and getting adequate sleep can help reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches.” 

Managing migraine symptoms is often more complex and may require prescription medications. Treatment options include:
 

• Triptans, medications that help minimize migraine symptoms
• Botox injections to alleviate certain recurring resistant/severe migraines
• Lifestyle changes and stress management techniques to avoid triggers
• Preventive medications, such as beta or calcium blockers, anticonvulsants or antidepressants, B12 and magnesium
• Newer medications in the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) class, which are highly effective and can be used for either preventive or abortive treatment

When to seek specialized neurological care

While occasional headaches can be managed at home, recurrent or severe headaches and migraines may require evaluation by a neurologist. Talk to your doctor if you experience:
 

• Sudden, severe headaches
• Headaches following a head injury
• Chronic migraines that disrupt your daily life
• Frequent or severe headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter medications
• Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms such as vision changes

“Understanding the differences between headaches and migraines is key to managing these conditions effectively,” said Dr. Nguyen. “By recognizing the causes and symptoms and knowing the appropriate treatment options, you can better manage your pain and seek specialized neurological care when needed.”

Do you or a loved one struggle with frequent headaches or migraines? Get symptom relief and the answers you need with Inspira. Learn more.