An estimated 37 million people in the United States suffer from migraines, with a majority of people saying they have missed work or experienced a decrease in everyday functionality because of a migraine attack. Understanding the difference between a headache and migraine will give you a better idea of what treatment option may be best for your needs.
Headaches are essentially any kind of pain in your head that comes with pressure and dull aching. This pain can range from mild to severe and typically is on both sides of the head. Many people experience headaches in the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. For some, a headache may only last 30 minutes, whereas others must live with the pain and discomfort for a week. Tension headaches are the most common and are triggered by stress, anxiety, and muscle strain. There are many other types of headaches that a pain management clinic can provide relief for:
Very painful headaches that usually take place on one side of the head and occur in cycles of attacks, or clusters.
These types of headaches are often confused with migraines and usually occur alongside other sinus infection symptoms, such as fever, stuffy nose, cough, congestion, and facial pressure.
Chiari headaches occur as a result of a birth defect referred to as Chiari malformation. When this happens, the skull pushes against parts of the brain, resulting in pain in the back of the head.
This is a very severe headache that comes on quickly, in 60 seconds or less. In some cases, it is a sign of a serious medical condition called a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which requires immediate medication attention.
Millions of people suffer from headaches every single day, often feeling helpless and unsure what to do. If you get headaches on a regular basis, we encourage you to contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group to schedule an appointment.
Migraines are very intense and painful, often coinciding with other symptoms, such as:
Unlike tension headaches, migraines can be very severe and last for days or longer. People who get migraines will likely notice a handful of symptoms before the migraine actually occurs. These symptoms include:
If you’ve been experiencing either headaches or migraines and nothing you try provides you with relief, please contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group today. We have locations in Allen, Anna, Dallas, Frisco, and McKinney and are here to answer any questions you may have and help you find a treatment that actually works. We understand how headaches and migraines can impact your overall quality of life and happiness, which is why our specialists are committed to your well-being.