How do migraine headaches differ from headaches?

Answer 1

The difference between a migraine headache and a tension headache is that while a tension headache involves the muscles and fascia of the scalp and neck tightening and causing pain, a migraine involves a large chemical change that affects the entire body. Blood vessels in the brain become wider, serotonin is lowered, and nerves misfire - causing severe pain - along with a host of other symptoms.

However this is not clear at this point that migraine is caused by serotonin deficiency.

The most frequent tension headache causes are stress, hunger, alcohol and sinus issues such as infection and Allergies. Migraine headaches are much more severe than tension headaches. They also affect women more than men, and can sometimes accompany the menstrual cycle. Migraine headaches sometimes elicit other symptoms than just a throbbing head; such as sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last from hours to days, and can affect the sufferer's ability to focus, concentrate, work and interact with family. They often cause nausea and force the person to lie down in a dark room, to try to sleep it off.

Answer 2

There is quite a big difference... People often mistake a headache, calling it a migraine, whe really it is just a headache. A headache is a lot less painful then a migraine, and often lasts for a shorter period of time. Many people, all over the world suffer from 'tension headaches' which makes the head feel like it is being constricted or 'pulsating'. A headache is usually felt on both sides of the head. A migraine, on the other hand, can be debilitating for some people. Migraines can last from 4 to 72 hours (Usually). Migraines are commonly felt on one side of the head, although can be felt on both, it is rare. Accompanying migraines is nausea, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Also an aura can sometimes be present with migraines. I hope that helps, i know form personal experience, that once you had a migraine, a headache means nothing, lol. =)

Answer 3

A headache gives little to no warning, and is usually a throbbing or pulsing inside of your head.

A migraine has beginning symptoms of temporary side vision loss, burst of energy or draining of energy, and sensitivity to light and sound. A headache has none of these and usually just occurs.

Answer 4

A headache is a very broad term for pain of the head. You can have mild headaches that just hurt a lot, or severe headaches, that make you unable to think straight or anything in between. However, a migraine, is even more than a splitting headache. These cause nausea, loss of conciousness, unablilty to think, and need medication soon. Some people say, "God, I've got such a bad migraine." They are wrong. They wouldn't be able to say that if they had a real migraine.

Answer 5

No, they are very different.

A tension headache is a headache that results from muscle tension from the muscles that are on your head and neck. There is usually a dull ache or pressure which spreads across the forehead or across the back of the head. It can often be alleviated with over the counter medication.

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache which is often only on one side of the head. It is a neurological disorder, as there are neurological changes which precede the migraine. With migraines, people can be sensitive to light and experience nausea and vomiting, as well as many other different symptoms. Some people have migraines which are preceded by an "aura" which is a visual disturbance. This disturbance may be flashing lights, tunnel vision, black spots in the vision....many variations. Migraines are usually not able to be alleviated with over the counter medications. (Although it can't hurt to try, so long as you aren't taking these medications every day.)

Answer 6

5 Tips To Manage A Migraine With Right Nutrition

What is a migraine?

The Mayo Clinic defines a migraine as, "an intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head, which is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound." According to the Migraine Research Foundation, a migraine is considered to be among the top 20 of the most disabling diseases since it brings in its wake the most excruciating pain. While the pain is acute when the attack strikes, there are ways to reduce the frequency of these attacks, a few of these being; effective stress management techniques, healthy sleep patterns, reduced exposure to harsh lights or sunlight and most importantly a diet that helps deal with the headaches. While the medical fraternity does prescribe over the counter medicines to manage these headaches, wouldn't it be a lot safer if we could tackle them with a few natural remedies and control them with a well regulated diet? Let's look at a list of foods that could help with managing a migraine:

Fresh grape juice: High in Vitamin A, C, B12 and other anti-oxidants grapes are one of the most effective remedies for a migraine headache. While you squeeze those juices from the fruit, make sure you are not throwing out the skin, as it is the skin that contains the highest amount of Riboflavin - a migraine fighting element.

Ginger: Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3 which gives ginger its special properties is extremely helpful in dealing with migraines. Grinding half a teaspoon of ginger and drinking it with a cup of water is known to provide great relief from such headaches.

Flaxseeds: Loaded with anti-oxidants, flaxseeds are also a great migraine busting food. Grinding them and adding them to your meals or just eating them raw will go a long way in helping you deal effectively with a migraine headache.

Green juice: Throw into your blender some spinach, celery, slices of cucumber, lemon juice and water and drink this as an effective remedy against migraine. From being high in iron, magnesium and Vitamin B, green juices don't just help with a throbbing head, but they also make for a great detox recipe that will have your skin glowing in no time.

Fish Oil supplements: Rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids, fish oils are obtained from fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, sardines, salmon etc. According to a study conducted by The University of Cincinnati, 9 out of 15 migraine sufferers who took fish oil supplements experienced a decrease in the number and intensity of headaches. Another study published in the 'Journal of Adolescent Health', showed that a regular intake of fish oil supplements lead to decreased frequency, duration and severity of migraine headaches. So don't forget to get your supplements on. And for those who love fish, you could also substitute supplements for the real thing.

The next time you feel a migraine coming on, walk straight into your kitchen and get your hands on these easily available and nourishing foods.

Answer 7

There are over 100 different headache disorders, including Migraine and Tension Type Headache. They are different disorders however, not the same disorder. See your physician or headache specialist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of Migraine and headache disorders.

Answer 8

I suffer from migraines and headaches. Headaches are mild and usually go away with Tylenol. But a migraine is so much more painful and can even affect your vision. When I get a migraine I have to lay in bed. Migraines can also make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. I do not know what causes my migraines, but I have heard stress can be one of the main causes.

Answer 9

According to health experts at ivillage.com, tension headaches are not as severe and don't last as long as migraines. Migraine headaches have other symptoms besides head pain, as well.