headache and migraine

1. What is the difference between a migraine and a headache?
2. What causes a migraine headache?
3. What causes migraines in females?
4. Can a headache turn into a migraine?
5. What part of the head hurts with migraines?
6. How long can headaches last?
7. Is migraine serious?
8. What foods cause migraines?
9. What gets rid of migraines fast?
10. When should I go to the doctor for a migraine?
11. What's the best for migraines?
12. How long is too long for a migraine?

What is the difference between a migraine and a 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.

What causes a migraine headache?

Migraine triggers vary but include: Hormonal changes, for example, around the time of menstruation. Emotional triggers, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and excitement. Dietary factors, including alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, and foods containing the additive tyramine.

What causes migraines in females?

Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause, seem to trigger headaches in many women. Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also can worsen migraines.

Can a headache turn into a migraine?

Previously called transformed migraine headaches, chronic migraine headaches are migraine headaches occurring more than 15 days per month. Most people who get them have had migraines for years, usually since their early teens or before. Daily chronic migraine headaches usually start for people during their 20s and 30s.

What part of the head hurts with migraines?

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.

How long can headaches last?

The average tension headache — the most common type of headache — lasts about four hours. But for some people, severe headaches drag on much longer, sometimes for several days.

Is migraine serious?

Migraine has long been considered a painful condition that affects quality of life but is not otherwise dangerous. A number of case-control and cohort studies, however, indicated that migraineurs, particularly those with aura, have a higher risk of ischemic but not hemorrhagic stroke.

What foods cause migraines?

What foods can trigger migraines?

• eggs.
• tomatoes.
• onions.
• dairy products.
• wheat, including pasta and bread products.
• citrus fruits.
• nitrites found in foods.
• alcohol, especially red wine.

What gets rid of migraines fast?

In this Article

1. Try a Cold Pack.
2. Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
3. Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
4. Dim the Lights.
5. Try Not to Chew.
6. Hydrate.
7. Get Some Caffeine.
8. Practice Relaxation.

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.

What's the best for migraines?

Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms. They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.

How long is too long for a migraine?

D for disabling intensity. Without effective treatment, migraine attacks usually last for four to 24 hours. When you're suffering a migraine, even four hours is far too long — and that's why early treatment for a migraine is so important.