Migraine or Just Another Headache?

Headaches are a very common complaint in the general population. The two most common types of headaches are migraine headache and tension headache. Since the treatment of each headache type is different, one should be able to recognize the differences between the two. Sometimes diagnosing migraine headache can take a while, and it is not always distinguished from other types of headaches after the first attack. Being able to make the correct diagnosis is the first step to recovery.

Tension headache is the most common type of headache. It is a disseminated headache, meaning it does not hurt just in one exact spot you can point your finger on. The pain is usually vague and bilateral (affecting both sides of the head at the same time). Some people describe tension headache as a tight and pressing belt around the head, which creates pressure.

As opposed to that, a migraine headache is much more than just another strong headache. This is a full complex disorder that can manifest in many ways. Some patients experience a pounding headache, usually one-sided, that lasts for several hours up to 3 whole days.

Some of the other symptoms suggesting a migraine headache include a sensation of weakness, nausea, visual disturbances, vomiting, sensitivity to loud noises or light and more.

You should consider the diagnosis of a migraine if your headaches tend to be related to several factors, known to trigger migraine attacks, for example:

psychological factors (stress, anxiety, tension), hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, changes in sleep patterns, environmental factors (weather changes, strong scents, beaming lights, loud noise), nutritional factors (coffee, alcohol, skipped meals), lack of sleep and more.

To assist you in making the correct diagnosis it is very much suggested to run a "headache journal". Do so by making a list, stating the time of day and day of the week every time you experience a headache. State what you ate during that day, how many hours of sleep you had, and whether or not you were previously exposed to any of the factors listed above (that could potentially have triggered your headache).

After several attacks you should look at your journal and see if you can find a pattern. If your headaches tend to appear in proximity to any of these triggers, it is very much possible you are indeed suffering from migraine headaches. The best next step would be returning to your doctor (with the journal) and seek treatment. Consulting a neurologist is even better, since he/she can suggest new treatments, rather than simple analgesics.