Just another headache, right? Not so fast. Before you write your pain off as just another headache, learn the distinctions between headaches and migraines. Knowing their key differences could bring you long-awaited relief. There are many different types of headaches, so identifying the location and nature of your pain can help determine the cause.
When most people hear the term migraine, they often think of a severe headache. But headaches are only one symptom of migraines, and they can range in severity and length. The changes in brain activity affect blood in the brain and surrounding tissues, causing a range of symptoms. Some people may experience headaches so severe they seek care at an emergency room. Migraine headaches will typically affect only one side of the head.
However, it is possible to have a migraine headache that affects both sides of the head. Migraine headaches are typically divided into two categories: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. The sensations typically occur anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before an attack. These can include:.
Some migraine sufferers may experience symptoms a day or two before the actual migraine occurs. People who experience migraine report various factors that are associated with them. These are called migraine triggers and may include:. Fortunately, most tension headaches will go away with over-the-counter treatments. These include:. Because most headaches are stress-induced, taking steps to reduce stress can help relieve headache pain and reduce the risk for future headaches.
Prevention is often the best treatment for migraine headaches. Examples of preventive methods your doctor may prescribe include:. People who have migraine less frequently may benefit from taking medications known to reduce migraine quickly. Examples of these medicines include:. If a person takes migraine headache medications more than 10 days a month, this could cause an effect known as rebound headaches. This practice will worsen headaches instead of helping them feel better.
Headaches can range from being a mild inconvenience to being severe and debilitating. Identifying and treating headaches as early as possible can help a person engage in preventive treatments to minimize the chance of another headache.
Distinguishing migraine from other types of headaches can be tricky. Other symptoms of COVID include cough , shortness of breath , fatigue, muscle aches, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC. If you suspect you have COVID, make sure you let your doctor know before scheduling an appointment so that they may take the proper precautions, advises Strauss.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, or the inability to stay awake, or who has pale gray or blue skin, lips, or nail beds may have severe COVID and should seek emergency medical care right away. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics.
Health Tools. Reviewed: May 20, Medically Reviewed. Overheating can cause the body temperature to rise and make symptoms worse. Follow htlifeandstyle for more. It could be a symptom of viral infection. Severe headache with fever: In most cases, a headache accompanied with fever could signal viral infection. Doctors say it could also mean something serious and suggest you consult a specialist without delay.
Share Via. Paracetamol can provide relief from pain and aches, besides fever. Eat healthy foods.
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