Am I Having A Headache Or A Migraine?

Recognising Migraine with Aura

It can be tough to recognize if you are suffering from a typical headache or migraine with aura. Recognizing a migraine as a headache and vice versa is vital. Diagnosing fast can help in treating and relieving symptoms quicker. It may also help to avoid the occurrence of subsequent headaches. How can you distinguish between a common headache and a migraine and how do they overlap?

What is a headache?

Headaches are uncomfortable aches, which can create pressure and discomfort in the head. The discomfort can vary between mild to severe and usually occurs on either side of the head. Some sites in which headaches may arise include the neck, the forehead, and the temples. Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one week. The most frequent type of headache is a tension headache, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stress, muscle tension and anxiety are triggers for this type of headache. Other types of headaches include sinus headaches, thunderclap headaches and Chiari headaches.

What is a migraine with aura?

These headaches are severe or strong and typically have other symptoms and pains in the head region. A migraine with aura is a headache with sensory disturbances. Migraine headache-related symptoms include:

• Sensitive to light and sound
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Pain behind the ears or eyes
• Temporary loss of vision

Migraine headache pain may be moderate to severe compared with tension or other headaches. Some people may have a headache so bad that they seek medical attention. Typically, only one side of the head is affected by migraine headaches. A migraine headache on either part of the head, however, both sides can occur. A migraine headache causes severe pain and discomfort, which can be debilitating, and it makes it very difficult for sufferers to complete regular duties. Migraine headaches normally fall into two categories: aura-based migraine and non-aura-based migraine. An “aura” refers to a person’s sensations before a migraine. Typically, the sensations begin 10 to 30 minutes prior to the attack. Some people with migraine may have symptoms one or two days before the real migraine and is known for its subtler indications as the “prodrome“.

Treatment

Now that you have identified what you are experiencing, let’s look at ways to manage your pain.

Treating your headache

Most tension headaches can be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen. The majority of headaches are caused by stress. Taking action to minimize stress can help relieve discomfort and lower the risk of future headaches. You can use relaxing techniques such as having a massage, taking warm showers, meditation and even light, calming exercises to help manage your pain.

Treating your migraine

People who suffer from migraines less frequently may benefit from drugs that are known to relieve migraine pain quickly. The following are some examples of these medications:

• Anti-nausea medicines; promethazine, chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine
• Pain killers; acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Triptans

Migraine headaches are typically best treated by preventing them. Preventive measures that doctors may recommend include implementing dietary modifications, such as avoiding foods and beverages that are known to induce headaches, such as alcohol and caffeine. Reducing stress and getting enough sleep would be other ways that can help prevent migraines. Learn more about how our DNA test can help you. It’s considered the most advanced DNA test in Malaysia that we can provide, so we’d like to offer you our premium DNA test. You can take advantage of this offer and reap the benefits of getting a DNA test.