The Difference Between a Migraine and Headache

When I tell people that I have Migraine, the general response is, “oh, I get headaches too”. I never know exactly how to react to this statement about an illness that has been so devastating to my quality of life.

The truth is that there is an enormous difference between Migraine and Headache.

For some reason, Migraine has become a catch-all term for headache. I feel like the word Migraine is way overused by some that do not realize the seriousness of the disease.

So let’s take a look at the differences Migraine and headaches have.

This is a guest post

Migraine vs. Headache

What is a Migraine?

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, a Migraine is, “a neurological disease with extremely incapacitating neurological symptoms.” Migraine also has 4 distinct stages and this is one of the ways to tell the difference between a Migraine and a headache.

Four Stages of Migraine

1. Prodrome-Usually appears up to 2 days before a Migraine attack and can include mood changes, food cravings, frequent yawning, increased thirst and more.
2. Aura-Appears right before and can continue during the Migraine attack. The symptoms can include flashing lights in vision, loss of vision, difficulty speaking, confusion, hearing or smelling things that are not there and more.
3. Attack or Headache-The Migraine Attack phase can last around 72 hours and it may or may not include head pain. Head pain that does occur will typically be on one side of the head and is always severe. Other symptoms of the attack are sensitivity to lights and sounds, extreme nausea with or without vomiting, dizziness, fainting and more.
4. Postdrome-This is what most people call the Migraine hangover mainly because of how your body feels. The symptoms of a Migraine Postdrome will typically last for 24 hours. During this time it is common to feel general body weakness, exhaustion, confusion or “brain fog” and dizziness.

Migraine with No Pain?

You probably noticed the wording in the Attack phase that it may or may not include head pain. That is absolutely correct!

A Migraine attack with no pain is referred to as a Silent Migraine. This has all of the other symptoms of a Migraine but does not include pain.

Types of Migraine

I have Chronic Migraine and Hemiplegic Migraine but there are many different classifications of Migraine.

To be diagnosed with Chronic Migraine, you must have at least 15 Migraine attacks per month. Currently, I have about 25 Migraine attacks each month. Hemiplegic Migraine includes temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body.

These are just two of the many types of Migraine attacks. There are many other types of Migraine that each includes its own set of symptoms.

Stroke and Migraine

Most people do not realize that having Migraine disease can increase a person’s risk of having a stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident.

This is life-threatening and can cause permanent Neurological defects.

What is a Headache?

According to  The Mayo Clinic, a “headache is a pain in any region of the head. Headaches may occur on one or both sides of the head, be isolated to a certain location, radiate across the head from one point, or have a viselike quality.”

Causes of Headaches

The causes of headaches vary widely from sinus pressure, tension, neck injury, stress, dehydration, hangovers and many more.

While there are too many causes to list, it is important to know that headache is a symptom not a disease in itself.

For example, a headache is a symptom of the sinus infection not the cause of the sinus infection.

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Symptoms of Headache

The main symptom of a headache is head pain. A headache can also include nausea and a feeling of general sickness.

There are no neurological symptoms with a general headache.

The Main Difference between a Migraine and a Headache?

After reading this, I hope you have learned some things that you didn’t know about Migraine.

So, what are the main differences between Migraine and a headache? To me, the main difference is the fact that you do not need to have the pain to have a Migraine.

This, along with the neurological symptoms, separates the two in a distinct way.

Disclaimer: This blog post pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and first-hand accounts about a serious medical condition.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice.

Bio: Jennifer Cannon is a wife, mom and step-grandmother. She loves quilting, writing, watching documentaries and reading historical fiction. Jennifer blogs about Migraines, Chronic Illness, and Mental Health at The Frozen Mind.