Headaches and migraines can both be frustrating, painful, and challenging to deal with. However, they are different conditions that require different treatment approaches.

Familiarizing yourself with the differences between headaches and migraines can help you get the appropriate relief you need. Below, we will look at eight key differences between headaches and migraines.

1. Pain Location

Headaches tend to cause pain that is focused on the forehead, temples, or at the back of the head. Migraines, on the other hand, typically cause pain on one side or both sides of the head.

In some cases, migraines can cause pain all over the head as well as in the neck and face.

2. Pain Intensity

Headaches tend to be less severe than migraines. While headaches can be uncomfortable, they don’t usually cause intense pain or sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.

With migraines, however, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities and may even require emergency medical treatment.

3. Duration of Pain

Headaches tend to last for a shorter time than migraines. Although they can be recurrent, they typically last a few hours or days depending on the cause. Migraines, on the other hand, can last for several hours or even days in some cases.

They tend to be more severe if left untreated.

4. Symptoms Beyond Pain

Headaches typically cause pain in the head area alone, while migraines can cause additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, and vision changes.

These symptoms can be so severe that they cause significant discomfort and can prevent someone from carrying out daily activities.

5. Triggers

Both headaches and migraines can have triggers, but the triggers can differ. Common headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, poor posture, and muscle tension.

Migraines, on the other hand, can be triggered by several factors, including hormonal changes, weather changes, bright lights, dehydration, and certain foods.

6. Response to Medication

Headaches can often be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication, while migraines usually require stronger prescription migraine medication.

Headaches tend to respond well to medication, while migraines may take longer to treat and may require a combination of treatments to alleviate symptoms effectively.

7. Frequency

Headaches can be occasional or recurrent, while migraines tend to be more recurrent and can happen several times a month.

If you experience headaches or migraines frequently, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions or causes that may require treatment.

8. Impact on Daily Life

While both headaches and migraines can be difficult to deal with, migraines can have more significant impacts on daily life.

They can interfere with work, social activities, and even personal relationships because of the pain and other symptoms they cause. Headaches, while uncomfortable, usually do not cause as many disruptions.