Difference between headache and migraine

Headaches cause pain in the head, face, or upper neck, and can vary in frequency and intensity. A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder. Migraines usually produce symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches. Some types of migraines do not cause head pain, however.

In general terms, migraine attacks are experienced as a headache of at least moderate severity usually on one side of the head and occurring with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise (though some people experience migraine without headache).

Previously called transformed migraine headaches, chronic migraine headaches are migraine headaches occurring more than 15 days per month. Most people who get them have had migraines for years, usually since their early teens or before. Daily chronic migraine headaches usually start for people during their 20s and 30s.

A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright light, or loud noise seems to make it hurt more.

Stress at work or home can cause migraines. Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — including perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — trigger migraines in some people.

The Migraine Research Foundation says that migraine is a neurological disease that affects 39 million people in the U.S. Migraines, which often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome.

But during a migraine, these stimuli feel like an all-out assault. The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain’s nerves, causing pain.

Sensitivity to Light or Sound

These are common signs of a coming migraine, and they often continue through the headache and post-headache stages. Bright light or loud noises can even trigger a second one as you‘re getting over the first.

You have to urinate frequently

Some people feel a need to urinate frequently during the premonitory phase of the migraine, according to the American Headache Society; this urge can also be accompanied by pelvic pain, says the Association of Migraine Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The premonitory phase of migraine is defined as the presence of nonpainful symptomatology occurring hours to days before the onset of headache. Symptoms can include neck stiffness, yawning, thirst, and increased frequency of micturition.

Common postdrome symptoms include fatigue, nausea, sensitivity to light, dizziness, body aches and difficulty concentrating. One postdrome sufferer described the day after a migraine headache as feeling like “a mental fog, one so heavy that even routine tasks take on an otherworldly quality.”

“We have to be conscious that we are not only taking care of our own health, but the health of other people,” he says. Even if you are not contagious, you should still consider calling in sick if a splitting headache is making you dizzy or if an over-the-counter cold remedy has your brain in a fog.

When you’re recovering from migraine, try to give yourself time to rest and recuperate. If possible, gradually ease back into your regular schedule. For example, if you’re returning to work after taking time off due to migraine, it might help to continue with limited work hours for a couple of days.

D for disabling intensity. Without effective treatment, migraine attacks usually last for four to 24 hours. When you’re suffering a migraine, even four hours is far too long — and that’s why early treatment for a migraine is so important.

Migraine and age

Generally it is true that migraine improves as we get into our 50s and 60s. Studies show 40% of people with migraine no longer have attacks by the age of 65. Before the menopause, three times as many women as men have migraine.

Severe Migraines Deserve an ER Visit

Go to the ER if you are experiencing severe migraine symptoms, or symptoms such as confusion, fever and vision changes, neck stiffness, trouble speaking or numbness or weakness, even if other symptoms of migraine are present (e.g. light sensitivity, nausea).

The primary role of an ER is to evaluate and treat conditions urgently. If you go to the ER for a migraine and have any unusual symptoms, the ER doctor will likely order brain imaging to rule out a stroke or aneurysm. If you don’t have any unusual symptoms, you may not need any diagnostic imaging tests.

For migraine relief, administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg IV followed by prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg IV. If the headache does not resolve in 15-30 minutes, giveketorolac (Toradol) 30 mg IV or 60 mg IM. Resolution usually occurs within 60 minutes (IM medications may take longer).

According to a 2013 review paper, vomiting may help with migraine headache symptoms, because it: changes blood flow to reduce pain or inflammation. releases chemicals that ease pain, such as endorphins. occurs toward the end of a migraine episode, leading to a reduction in symptoms.

One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.