Migraine Vs. Headache: Are They the Same?

You come home after a tiring day with a throbbing ache in your temples and declare that you have a migraine. But is it really a migraine? 

Before writing off your pain as a migraine, it’s vital to understand what it exactly is. What if it’s just another headache? Most individuals use these two interchangeably. However, they aren’t synonymous with each other. 

Let’s understand the difference between the two. 

Difference Between a Migraine and Headache 

Before getting into their differences, let’s understand what these two are. 

What are Headaches? 

The unpleasant pains that cause aching and pressure in your heads are known as headaches. They generally occur on both sides of the head. The pain caused by them ranges from mild to severe. Some areas where headaches appear are the temples, forehead, and back of the neck. 

What are Migraines? 

A migraine attack or migraine headache is intense and severe. Its symptoms include nausea, head pain, muscle ache, vomiting, seeing spots, and pain in the temples. Migraine headaches typically affect only one side of the head. Also, did you know that migraine Hindi translates to Gambhir Sirdard? 

How are They Different? 

While a headache affects both sides of the head, a migraine headache disturbs only one side. But the pain from the latter is far more intense and ranges from moderate to severe. 

A typical headache usually lasts 30 minutes to a few hours. Conversely, a migraine headache lasts anywhere between four hours to three days. 

In addition, a migraine headache has far more severe symptoms than a mere tension headache. In addition to stress, muscle pain, and eyestrain, migraine headaches have symptoms like nausea, shoulder pain, and vomiting. 

Conclusion

Compared to a general headache, a migraine headache is far more severe. However, identifying and treating both as early as possible can help minimise any health complications that might follow if left untreated. Paying close attention to your symptoms and time period will allow you to distinguish between the two easily. 

Using aromatherapy is a potent way to relieve both headaches and migraines. It uses plant extracts or essential oils to create a healthier mind and body. You can rub them over your body or digest them to prevent pain and stress. In addition, essential oils improve circulation via scent, allowing you to relax while uplifting your mood.