Migraine Or Tension Headache? How To Tell
Suffering from a headache is no fun -- they are uncomfortable
, painful, and can interfere with your ability to concentrate on your daily tasks. But all headaches are not the same. They can manifest for a number of different reasons. Tension and migraine headaches are the two most common types of headaches that affect people. Here's how to tell the difference between a migraine, and a tension-related headache.
Causes of Migraine and Tension Headaches
There can be a variety of physical, and emotional stressors that trigger the onset of tension headaches. Anything from attending a family reunion to getting laid off from work can lead to stress-related headaches.
Migraines are caused by enlarged blood vessels, and chemicals that are released from the nerve fibers. This results in inflammation, and enlargement of the artery. This type of headache can be triggered by poor sleeping habits, bright lights, low blood sugar, too much caffeine, decreased estrogen levels, and certain types of foods.
Migraine and Tension Headache Symptoms
Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain, and a tightening pressure in the head. The pain from a tension headache can be felt in the forehead, base of the skull, scalp, and the temple of the head. Tension-related headaches can also cause tenderness in neck, and shoulders.
Migraine headaches cause pounding in the head. The pain from a migraine can be mild, or so severe that it interferes with daily activities. In addition to debilitating pain, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, blurred vision, and cold hands and feet.
Migraines don't discriminate; they can affect both children and adults. And each migraine episode can last anywhere from a few hours to three days.
Treatments for Migraines and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain killers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. If over the counter medications are taken properly, they can typically be used without incident.
Also, a few adjustments in your lifestyle can help reduce, or prevent tension headaches. Some of these changes should include frequent exercise, stress management techniques, and getting plenty of rest.
Mild migraines can be managed with the same types of over-the-counter medications used for tension headaches. But moderate to severe migraine headaches may require treatment with prescription Triptans. These drugs stop migraine headaches by constricting the blood vessels, and reducing inflammation. Overuse of medications for headaches can reduce their effectiveness over time.
Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, exercising, drinking plenty of water, avoiding smoking, avoiding flashing lights, and minimizing stress can also help manage migraine attacks.
If you have existing health problems, or are taking other medications, contact a doctor before using over-the-counter meds. And never give aspirin to children as this medication can lead to a condition known as Reye's syndrome.
In rare instances, headaches can be caused by serious health conditions such as brain tumors, aneurism, and meningitis. So if you have moderate to severe migraines, or your tension headaches are accompanied by vision or speech problems, contact a doctor immediately.
by: Chris Tomshack
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