Most adults have experienced a headache at least a time or two in their
lives. But how do you know when that intense pain and pressure in the
head has tipped over the line from major headache to full-blown migraine?
An important place to start is with a definition of each condition.
A headache is an unpleasant sensation in any region of the head or upper
neck. It may appear as a dull ache, a throbbing feeling or a sharp pain,
and intensities of the pain vary with whatever is causing it. Though most
people associate a headache with pain in the brain, the actual pain felt
is stemming from the tissues that surround the brain. A headache can be
brief – lasting less than an hour – or linger for several days.
On the other hand, a migraine is clinically defined as a specific type
of headache that is felt more intensely, and usually has accompanying
symptoms in addition to the pain felt in the head. The pain from a migraine
can be very severe, and interfere with activities of daily life. Like
headaches, migraines can be brief, lasting only a few hours, or the pain
can stick around for several days.
Still wondering whether those headaches you’ve been getting could
actually be migraines? Usually, a combination of these symptoms will present
if a migraine is to blame:
- Pounding or throbbing pain that is moderate to severe and feels as if it
is engulfing the entire head or shifting from one side of the head to the other
- Heightened sensitivity to sounds, odors or light
- Vision troubles including blurriness, bright/flashing dots, wavy or jagged lines
- Abdominal problems including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or an unsettled stomach
Headaches and Migraines are caused when the blood vessels, muscles, and
nerves in the head are overstimulated. When these pain-sensitive structures
become overactive, or when chemical activity in the brain is altered,
we feel the uncomfortable sensations of a headache. These changes in the
brain may be the result of a number of factors. Triggers for every patient
are different, but most can be attributed to one or more of the following:
- Changes in stress levels
- Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells
- Skipping meals, resulting in hunger and dehydration
- Not getting enough sleep, or getting too much sleep
- Direct physical pressure to the head, like wearing a hat or a helmet
- Rigorous physical activity
- Certain foods (chocolate, alcohol, MSG, aged cheeses, processed meats,
aspartame, high levels of caffeine)
Approximately 3 out of 4 people who have migraines are women. More women
suffer from migraines and headaches due to hormonal causes related to
menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or birth control pills. Estrogen, a female
hormone, also controls chemicals in the brain that affect sensations of
pain. When this hormone level fluctuates, due to stress or hormonal cycles,
it may trigger a painful headache or migraine.
So now that we know what they are and what causes them, how can headaches
and migraines be prevented? If you’re struggling with frequent chronic
headaches and migraines, it is important to find a doctor who specializes
in diagnosing and treating them. For some sufferers, there are medications
that can be prescribed to help prevent the attacks before they start.
If headaches are just popping up from time to time, some simple lifestyle
changes can help:
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and do not skip meals
- Aim to get about the same number of hours of sleep every night (between 7-9)
- Don’t go overboard on caffeine, or alcohol
- Engage in moderate physical activity daily
- Practice coping mechanisms when stress levels get high
The best way to prevent headaches and migraines is to learn the triggers
for your attacks and to do your best to avoid them. Headaches and migraines
can be debilitating at times, but knowing how to differentiate between
the two and understanding the causes may make it easier to find relief,
while kicking those headaches to the curb.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-overview
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/migraine.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55043
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/definition/sym-20050800