Understanding Migraines & Headaches
Migraines and headaches are common neurological conditions that affect many people worldwide. They can be painful and interfere with one’s quality of life. However, it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the two as they may present similar symptoms.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of headaches, the difference between a headache and migraine, when to seek medical help and more.
What is the difference between a migraine and a headache?
This is a common question that people seem to be confused about. Firstly, a headache is a broad term; any discomfort or pain felt in the head, scalp, or neck region is referred to as a headache. Whereas a migraine is more specific as it encompasses a one-sided pain in the head and can be a throbbing pain as well as recurring.
What can cause headaches/migraines?
The causes/triggers of migraines and headaches vary. The several factors that that are known to contribute to migraines and headaches are as follows:
Genetics: Migraines and headaches can run in families’ genes, which can make people prone to getting them.
Hormonal changes: Migraines can be experienced by changes in oestrogen levels, which women frequently encounter during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Environment: There are certain environmental factors that can trigger migraines and headaches, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong odours and air pollution. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be aware of which environmental factors trigger your headaches or migraines so you can avoid them.
Lifestyle Factors: Stress, excessive alcohol/caffeine consumption, irregular meal schedules and lack of sleep and also play a part in causing headaches and migraines.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms that migraines and headaches might present with, and they can differ from person to person. While headaches often involve pain or pressure in the head, migraines frequently involve other symptoms, such as:
Severe pain in the head, particularly on one side
Sensitivity to light
Vomiting or nausea
Fatigue or dizziness
How do you cure migraines & headaches?
There are some ways to treat migraines and headaches such as
Staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Get plenty of sleep
Painkillers such as paracetamol, triptans, ibuprofen
Identify and avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, caffeine, or processed meats.
Practice stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Engage in regular physical exercise to promote overall well-being.
Seeking medical help
Different types of headaches:
While headaches can occur for various reasons, the most common types include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches.
Cluster headache:
Cluster headaches are severe, agonising pains that come in ongoing periodic patterns. They are considerably more severe than tension headaches despite being quite uncommon. These headaches might be accompanied by nasal congestion or red eyes, and they frequently centre around one eye. Depending on the severity and frequency of the attacks, treatment options for cluster headaches may include prescription drugs, oxygen therapy, or nerve blocks.
Tension Headaches:
The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which is often characterised by a continuous, dull discomfort on both sides of the head. They frequently result from tension in the muscles, bad posture, or worry. For the majority of tension headaches, lifestyle changes, stress reduction measures, and over-the-counter painkillers can be helpful.
Sinus Headaches:
Allergies, infections, or sinusitis are the most common causes of sinus headaches, which are defined by swelling or congestion in the sinus cavities. Usually, the forehead, cheeks, or bridge of the nose feel painful. In order to treat the underlying sinus problem that causes sinus headaches, one may use nasal irrigation, decongestants, or antibiotics if an infection is present.
Different types of migraines
Migraines can be classified into two primary categories: migraines with aura and migraines without aura.
Migraines with Aura: Aura migraines are defined by certain sensory disturbances or visual alterations that start before the headache phase. Blind patches, bright flashes, or tingling or numbness in the face or limbs are a few examples of these visual problems. The migraine headache itself comes after the 20 to 60 minute-long aura symptoms.
Migraines without Aura: These headaches often present as moderate to severe pulsating headaches on one side of the head and are more frequent than migraines with aura. These headaches are often accompanied by additional symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound and can linger for hours or even days at a time.
If you are suffering from ongoing headaches/migraines, be sure to visit a medical professional.
We are here to help
You can book an appointment with one of our qualified doctors if you are suffering from chronic migraines and headaches.
We are available Monday – Friday 9am to 7pm. Contact us to request specialist help.
Email: info@harleystreet104.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7935 6554