Difference Between Migraine and Headache

Headaches cause pain in the head, face, or upper neck, and can vary in frequency and intensity. A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder. Migraines usually produce symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches. Some types of migraines do not cause head pain, however.

1. Is a migraine just a bad headache?
2. How do you know you have a migraine?
3. What does your head feel like after a migraine?
4. What are the 4 types of headaches?
5. What relieves migraines fast?
6. What part of the head hurts during a migraine?
7. When should I go to the doctor for a migraine?
8. Do Migraines show up on MRI?
9. Does coffee help migraines?
10. What are the stages of a migraine?
11. Do migraines make you pee a lot?
12. What happens in the brain during a migraine?

Is a migraine just a bad headache?

“Migraines are a neurological disorder and are thought to occur due to increased excitability in some areas of the brain.” A migraine is a headache, but it is not just any kind of headache. Dr. Greenfield says it is a “sick headache,” that can cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises.

How do you know you have a migraine?

Tests for Diagnosing Headaches

1. Blood chemistry and urinalysis. These tests may determine many medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and infections, which can cause headaches.
2. CT scan. ...
3. MRI. ...
4. Sinus X-ray. ...
5. EEG. ...
6. Eye exam. ...
7. Spinal tap.

What does your head feel like after a migraine?

Common postdrome symptoms include fatigue, nausea, sensitivity to light, dizziness, body aches and difficulty concentrating. One postdrome sufferer described the day after a migraine headache as feeling like “a mental fog, one so heavy that even routine tasks take on an otherworldly quality.”

What are the 4 types of headaches?

The most common types of primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches and chronic daily headaches.

• Tension Headaches. ...
• Migraine Headaches. ...
• Cluster Headaches. ...
• Occipital neuralgia.

What relieves migraines fast?

In this Article

• Try a Cold Pack.
• Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
• Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
• Dim the Lights.
• Try Not to Chew.
• Hydrate.
• Get Some Caffeine.
• Practice Relaxation.

What part of the head hurts during a migraine?

A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright light, or loud noise seems to make it hurt more.

When should I go to the doctor for a migraine?

Seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing the worst headache you've ever had, lose vision or consciousness, have uncontrollable vomiting, or if your headache lasts more than 72 hours with less than 4 hours pain-free.

Do Migraines show up on MRI?

An MRI can't diagnose migraines, cluster, or tension headaches, but it can help doctors rule out other medical conditions that may cause your symptoms, such as: A brain tumor. An infection in your brain, called an abscess. The buildup of fluid in the brain, called hydrocephalus.

Does coffee help migraines?

Whether it's a run-of-the-mill tension headache or a migraine, caffeine can help. That's why it's an ingredient in a lot of popular pain relievers. It can make them as much as 40% more effective. Sometimes you can stop the pain in its tracks just by having caffeine alone.

What are the stages of a migraine?

Prodrome, aura, migraine attack and postdrome make up the 4 stages in which a migraineur may experience. Previously, we have discussed on the first 2 stages (Aura and Prodrome), and today a greater emphasis will be placed on the actual migraine attack. The attack itself is the most debilitating part of the migraine.

Do migraines make you pee a lot?

Other symptoms of migraine might include poor concentration, feeling hot or cold, perspiration (sweating), and an increased need to pass urine. This can occur before, during or after the migraine attack.

What happens in the brain during a migraine?

But during a migraine, these stimuli feel like an all-out assault. The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain's nerves, causing pain.