When there is pain or pressure in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether you are having a typical headache or a migraine. Differentiating a migraine headache from a regular headache is essential. It can mean faster relief through effective treatments. It can also help in preventing future headaches from occurring in the first place. So, how you can tell the difference between a migraine and a common headache?
Types and Causes of Common Headaches
There are multiple types of headaches, so analyzing the nature and location of your pain can help determine the cause. Furthermore, analyzing which type of headache you have is as important as buying a health insurance policy as this helps you financially during treatment.
Listed below are the most common headaches:
Tension headaches:
The pain that occurred from tension tends to spread all the sides of the head, often beginning from the back and creeping forward. This is the most common headache pain. Stress, eye strain, and hunger are random causes of tension headaches, and they can be chronic.
Sinus headaches:
These headaches often strike when you are feeling congested or sick. They are caused by swelling in the sinus passages, turning into pain behind the nose, cheeks, and eyes. The pain is often at its worst when you wake up in the morning and when you bend forward.
Cluster headaches:
These headaches are generally painful and occur in “clusters”, meaning they happen frequently or daily, sometimes up to many times per day for months. They are a result of dilation in the blood vessels of the brain due to a release of histamines and serotonin. They can be caused by bright lights, physical exertion, or even altitude.
Migraines: More than Just a Headache
When the majority of people hear the word migraine, they often think of severe headaches. But headaches are only one symptom of migraines, and they can range in length and severity.
The changes in brain activity affect blood in the brain and surrounding tissues, causing a wide range of symptoms. Adding to severe pain, migraine sufferers may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Increased sensitivity to light, sound or smellsNauseaExtreme fatigueDizziness
Migraine occurs in four different phases. The phases include:
Prodrome phase:
Sometimes known as the pre-headache phase, this stage features painless symptoms that occur days or hours before the migraine arrives. These include food cravings, mood swings, and stiffness of the neck.
Aura phase:
Auras refer to sensory disturbances that occur during or before a migraine. Auras can affect a person’s touch, vision, or speech, though not everyone who suffers from migraines goes through from auras. Examples of auras include a blind spot that expands over time, blurred visions, slurred or jumbled speech, and numbness in the arm.
Headache phase:
This is when the pain generally hits, and it may range from mild to debilitating. Physical activity and exposure to smells, sounds, and light may worsen the pain. However, some people can have a migraine without any headaches.
Postdromal phase:
In this phase, people may feel exhausted, confused, or usually unwell. This needs proper treatment and before you jump into paying some huge amount to the hospital, first
buy health insurance.
So, these were the difference between headaches and migraines, if you suffer any of the aforementioned pain, you must take your treatments timely.
Select the best health insurance plan for your treatment and hospitalization expenses. Choose a policy which will help you safeguard your savings. Purchasing online is hassle free and convenient now!