Despite what you might believe, not all headaches are created equally. There are more than 150 types of headaches, from tension and cluster headaches to full-blown migraines. Each type of headache presents differently and stems from a different cause.
Knowing the difference between headaches (especially headaches and migraines) is crucial to getting the right type of care.
In this blog, Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain draw a line between headaches and migraines and highlight how we can help you manage both.
When you have migraines, your body often sends warning signs letting you know a migraine attack is on the way. This is called the prodrome phase of a migraine, and it occurs around 1-2 days before an actual migraine happens.
During the prodrome phase, you might experience:
You might even notice an increase in thirst and urination. The prodrome phase is different for each migraine sufferer, and some skip this stage altogether.
Many people with migraines experience sensory and speech changes before, during, or after their attack. We refer to this stage of a migraine as an aura, which stems from a disruption of electrical activity in the brain.
If you experience an aura, you might see dots, sparks, or zig zags in your vision. Migraines can make you more sensitive to light, sound, and even touch. Some develop tinnitus, dizziness, or even struggle to speak clearly. Small movements can exacerbate your pain and dizziness.
After your migraine attack has come and gone, it often leaves you feeling wiped out. Many feel exhausted and confused. On the flip side, some migraine sufferers go through a period of intense joy once their migraine subsides.
Headache pain and migraine pain differ slightly. For instance, tension headaches (the most common type) trigger pain across the forehead and pressure on either side of the head, akin to a headband or helmet. This pain is uncomfortable and tiring but not severe enough to stop you in your tracks.
A cluster headache might trigger a stabbing pain near or behind your eye.
Migraine pain is much more intense and usually hurts more on one side of your head. Migraines create strong throbs and pulses, making it difficult or impossible to get through your day.
Whether you have a headache or migraine (or you’re still unsure), you’re in the right place. Dr. Wu and our team specialize in headache and migraine treatment and based on your symptoms and health history, we can help you find the best treatments and therapies.
After we complete a comprehensive neurological assessment, we can recommend a course of oral or injected medications designed to block pain, reduce inflammation, and ultimately relieve symptoms.
For severe migraines, we prescribe medications that you can take during an attack or preventive medications that stop attacks before they start.
We also educate and guide you on the best ways to avoid triggers and establish a healthy lifestyle that keeps headache and migraine attacks at bay.
Don’t spend another day wondering what’s happening inside your head or, worse, thinking there’s no help. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our Torrance, California, office today.
