When we talk about severe headaches, two medical conditions that often come to mind are migraines and aneurysms. Although both conditions involve headaches, there are significant differences between the two that require different treatments.

Knowing the differences and symptoms of each can help you identify and seek the appropriate medical care.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a headache that occurs due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. This headache can be intense and incapacitating. Migraines can cause pulsating pain, sensitivity to light, noise, and other stimuli, nausea, and vomiting.

The pain can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, and some individuals experience an aura before the headache begins. An aura is a visual disturbance or other neurological symptom that may precede the headache.

What is an Aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in an artery wall that can rupture, causing internal bleeding. Aneurysms in the brain can cause a severe headache, but this headache will start suddenly, without an aura like with migraines.

Other symptoms of an aneurysm include a sudden, intense headache, nausea and vomiting, a stiff neck, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Symptoms of Migraines

In addition to intense pain, migraines come with several other symptoms that identify the condition. Some of the common symptoms of migraines include:.

Pulsating pain
Sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
Blurry vision or temporary vision loss
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Dizziness or vertigo

Symptoms of Aneurysms

An aneurysm in the brain can rupture and cause a life-threatening situation. The symptoms of an aneurysm may include:.

Sudden and severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff or sore neck
Blurred or double vision
Light sensitivity
Confusion or disorientation
Loss of consciousness
Seizures

Difference in Pain and Suffering

The pain and symptoms of migraines and aneurysms are different, although they may seem similar at first. In migraines, the pain is typically on one side of the head and is often described as throbbing, pulsating, or pounding.

The pain is typically moderate to severe and can interfere with daily activities.

On the other hand, aneurysms cause a sudden and severe headache, often described as the worst headache of my life. The pain is usually behind or above the eye, and it can spread to the neck, back, or limbs.

Pain from an aneurysm rarely lasts more than a few hours.

Diagnosing Migraines and Aneurysms

When you visit a doctor with headache symptoms, they will want to determine whether you have a migraine or an aneurysm. To diagnose the condition, your doctor will perform one or more tests.

For migraines, tests include:.

CT scan or MRI to rule out an aneurysm or other structural problem
Physical exam to check for sensitivity to light or noise or other neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or confusion
Keeping a diary of symptoms and triggers to determine the type of migraine the patient is experiencing

For aneurysms, tests include:.

CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis, locate the aneurysm, and assess the damage to the brain
Cerebral angiogram to determine the size and shape of the aneurysm and guide treatment

Treatment of Migraines and Aneurysms

Treatment options for migraines and aneurysms vary. For migraines, individuals can take medications to ease the headache, prevent migraines, and reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin alleviate the pain of a migraine. Triptans and ergotamines are medications that narrow blood vessels around the brain and reduce inflammation.

Anti-nausea medications, such as metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, and domperidone, are also useful to relieve nausea and vomiting from migraines.

In general, treatment for an aneurysm aims to protect the brain from bleeding and relieve the symptoms of the condition. Treatment options for aneurysms include:.

Endovascular coiling to seal off the aneurysm and prevent it from rupturing
Surgical clipping to place a metal clip at the neck of the aneurysm, preventing it from rupturing or bleeding
Observation to wait and watch the aneurysm for any changes over time

Conclusion

It is important to know the differences between a migraine and an aneurysm to get the appropriate treatment for each condition. Although both are severe headaches, migraines are related to changes in blood flow and are accompanied by other symptoms.

In contrast, an aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Knowing the differences and signs of each will help you recognize the specific condition and seek prompt medical care.