The Difference Between Headaches and Migraines

True or false: A migraine is a very bad headache.
Answer: False!

While some headaches may be extremely severe, a migraine is a different type of event altogether. And yet, no one knows exactly how migraines work. So how do you know whether what you’re feeling is a headache or a migraine?

What does a migraine feel like?

Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. Migraine headaches can last from half an hour to several hours, or sometimes even days. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or odors are common in people with a migraine. Some people also experience visual disturbances called aura, which may include spots, dots, jagged lines or flashing lights. Some may also experience disruptions in other senses, including phantom sounds, smells or touches.

In many cases, migraines may involve up to four phases. Prodrome is often the first sign and may include mood changes, appetite changes, neck stiffness, increased thirst and other symptoms. Then come the migraine aura and attack, during which the sufferer experiences sensory disturbances and pain. Finally, postdrome signals the end of the migraine and may involve feeling exhausted, confused, moody and other symptoms. Not every sufferer experiences all four phases with every migraine, or even at all.

Learn the “triggers”

The exact cause of migraines is unknown. We do know that migraines tend to run in families, but environmental factors also play a part. These factors are called “triggers” because they can set off or worsen a migraine. Avoiding triggers may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Triggers tend to be different for each migraine sufferer, but common ones may include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Changes in the weather
• Caffeine (too much or too little)
• Chocolate or alcohol
• Certain smells or fragrances
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep
• Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
• Skipping meals
• Foods containing nitrates (e.g., luncheon meats, hot dogs, etc.)
• Foods containing tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, smoked fish, etc.)
• Foods containing monosodium glutamate (e.g., many processed foods, especially salty or savory ones)

Get the right treatment

There are several types of treatment options for migraines. Start with over-the-counter pain relievers to see if they help, or drink a small amount of caffeine if you haven’t had any recently and it doesn’t bother you. If those don’t relieve migraine symptoms, prescription drugs called triptans taken early during the migraine can help stop it from getting worse. For chronic migraine sufferers, long-term medications may also be an option. Talk with your doctor at Riverview Health about the right treatment for your symptoms.

Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.

Sources: JAMA.AMA-ASSN.org, NINDS.NIH.gov,