Understanding the differences between these two types of pain is essential to getting proper treatment.
Headaches and migraines are terms often used interchangeably, but in practice they represent different conditions. While a common headache tends to be milder and temporary, a migraine can bring debilitating symptoms, as in the case of influencer Virgínia Fonseca, who opted for botox treatment.
In an interview with Earth you, the neurosurgeon, Philip Mendesexplains how to identify each condition and which signs deserve attention.
What are the main differences?
The specialist says that common headaches, such as tension headaches, present a more diffuse type of pain, of mild to moderate intensity, normally without other associated symptoms.
Migraine is characterized by a more intense, usually throbbing pain that affects one side of the head, as well as being accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). There may also be some signs and symptoms such as visual changes that appear before the painful attack, a phenomenon called aura.
Triggers can cause the condition
Migraines can have specific triggers that differentiate them from common headaches, including:
- Stress;
- Hormonal changes;
- Sleep deprivation;
- Prolonged fasting;
- Consumption of some foods such as mature cheeses, chocolate and sausages;
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Exposure to bright lights or loud noises.
The neurosurgeon explains that these triggers can vary individually. On the other hand, common headaches may share some of these triggers, such as lack of sleep, tiredness, muscle tension, and prolonged fasting, but they tend to be less clear and sometimes less related.
The intensity and duration of the pain help identify it
The doctor defines that migraines tend to be more intense and debilitating, lasting from 4 to 72 hours, while a common headache is less intense, generally does not interfere with daily activities and lasts less time, around a few hours.
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Is it possible to suffer from migraines without knowing it?
The specialist comments that it is possible that recurrent headaches are underdiagnosed migraines, especially if they are not accompanied by classic symptoms, such as aura.
Imaging tests may be ordered when there is any diagnostic doubt, however they serve more to rule out other problems than to confirm the migraine condition.
“For a correct diagnosis, a detailed clinical evaluation is essential, including the history of symptoms, their frequency, intensity and possible triggers,” he indicates.
The treatment is multifactorial
Migraine treatment involves a multifactorial approach, including abortive medications (such as triptans and anti-inflammatories) for attacks and prophylactic medications (beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants) to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and identifying triggers, are essential.
“For common headaches, such as tension headaches, they generally respond well to simple analgesics, such as acetaminophen or dipyrone. However, when it becomes chronic, continuous pharmacological treatment may also be necessary to try to reduce the number of attacks”, concludes the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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