Headaches are common symptoms and are often overlooked as a result of stress, lack of sleep or overwork.
However, when the pain is accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or a sharp pain on one side of the head, it is most likely a sign of migraine. This is a complex neurological disorder, not just a common headache.
Distinguishing between these two types of headaches is important, as each type requires different management and treatment methods.
Dr. Sermed Mezher, general practitioner (working at The Doctors Lounge, UK) explained how to identify these two types of headaches.
According to Dr. Sermed Mezher, tension headaches are the most common form and often manifest as a dull, spreading pain, like a tight belt around the head.
The pain mainly appears in the forehead, temple or back of the neck, with a mild to moderate level. This type of headache rarely gets worse during exercise and is often not accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light.
The main causes of tension headaches include mental pressure, poor posture while sitting at work, and tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Normally, the patient can continue daily activities, because the pain level is not too severe. The duration of pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours, but rarely causes major obstruction.
In contrast, migraine is a completely different condition, related to complex changes in the nervous system and blood flow to the brain.
Dr. Mezher describes that migraines are often characterized by sharp, smashing pain, mainly on one side of the head and can cause significant weakness.
Many patients are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and even smell. Some also experience visual disturbances that appear before pain.
migraines often get worse with physical activity and last from 4 to 72 hours. According to doctors, the trigger can come from stress, hormonal changes, foods such as cheese, chocolate, wine, as well as exposure to bright light or insomnia.
This is the reason why migraines are classified as a neurological disorder, not a common headache.
Clearly distinguishing between the two types of headaches helps patients choose the right treatment direction. For tension headaches, changing posture at work, getting enough rest, doing light exercise and reducing stress are helpful measures.
Meanwhile, people with migraines need to monitor the trigger, use the prescribed medicine and limit exposure to factors that make symptoms worse.
According to Dr. Mezher, the correct understanding of the characteristics of each type of pain will help patients avoid self-treatment incorrectly, while improving the effectiveness of disease control.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health questions).
