How many times have you called every headache a migraine or every migraine "just a headache"? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Understanding the difference can help you manage symptoms better and know when it's time to seek medical advice. Both of these conditions are common, leading people to think the treatment is too similar. Most of the time, these get cured through medicine or rest, but the intense pain that occurs sometimes in the middle of nowhere disrupts the daily routine.
“Not all headaches are migraines, but all recurrent headaches deserve attention. Understanding the difference is the first step towards effective treatment and a better quality of life,” Dr Aditya Gupta, Director of Neurosurgery at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, tells Health Shots.
What is a normal headache? Common symptoms and triggers
The most common type of headache is the tension headache. They are often described as a dull, throbbing sensation around the forehead and back of the head, and can be triggered by stress, lack of rest, dehydration, fatigue, eye strain, not eating enough or skipping meals, and poor posture. Tension headaches can cause mild to moderate pain and usually do not prevent you from carrying out your normal day-to-day activities.
