Migraines are often confused with other types of headaches. And with more
than

200 different headache types

recognized by the International Classification of Headache Disorders, it’s
easy to understand why!

When a headache strikes, finding fast relief may be the only thing on your
mind. But knowing how to distinguish between migraines and other common
types of headaches can help you manage and treat them more effectively.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches

are common, affecting 39 million Americans. They are believed to be caused
by brain circuitry. Migraines can be

triggered

by many things, including:

• Stress
• Medications
• Hormones
• Caffeine
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Certain foods
• Lack of sleep
• Loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights

Phases and Symptoms

A migraine can have

four phases; however, not everyone experiences every stage.

1. Prodrome: This phase occurs a day or two before the
   headache. Its symptoms can include frequent yawning, fatigue, difficulty
   sleeping, difficulty concentrating, trouble speaking or reading, depression,
   irritability, muscle stiffness, food cravings, nausea, constipation,
   increased need to urinate, and sensitivity to light and sound.
2. Aura: The second phase can last five to 60 minutes.
   Symptoms can include visual disturbances, temporary loss of sight, and
   numbness or tingling.
3. Headache: The pain can be described as throbbing, drilling,
   burning, or stabbing. Other symptoms may include giddiness, mood changes,
   anxiety, insomnia, nasal congestion, neck pain or stiffness, nausea,
   vomiting, and sensitivity to light, smell, and sound. This phase can last
   four to 72 hours.
4. Postdrome: This phase lasts 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms can
   include confusion, difficulty concentrating, trouble with comprehension,
   fatigue, mood changes, and intense joy.

Treatment and Prevention

Rescue medications

can stop a migraine attack if they’re taken at the onset. Over-the-counter
ibuprofen specifically for migraines is available, and doctors can provide
stronger medications, such as

triptans
 if needed. However, most migraine rescue medications can cause rebound
headaches if they’re taken more than three times in one week. For those with
four or more migraine days a month, doctors may suggest

preventive medicines. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and self-relaxation
techniques such as acupuncture and yoga may also help

reduce the frequency and intensity

of migraine headaches.

Other common types of headaches

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches

feature dull aches and tightness or pressure, as opposed to the strong
throbs or pulses of migraine headaches. They may cause soreness in the
temples and tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles.

Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and
naproxen sodium, can help control tension headaches. Using a hot or cold
compress on your head can also provide relief. A healthy lifestyle can help
prevent this type of headache from happening. This includes eating a healthy
diet, exercising, getting enough rest, and managing stress.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches

are caused by a buildup of pressure in your sinuses due to congestion and
inflammation. They are primarily felt in your face, while migraine headaches
can cause pain around the temples, high in the forehead, and in the back of
the head. Both can cause runny noses, but migraine mucus is thin and clear,
while sinus mucus is thick and discolored.

To get rid of a sinus headache, the cause of the inflammation needs to be
treated. If it’s caused by allergies, an over-the-counter antihistamine or
decongestant may provide relief. Using a humidifier and saline nasal spray
can also be helpful. If the sinus inflammation is caused by a bacterial
infection, a doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches

affect one side of the head and are very painful. While their exact cause is
unknown, they do share many of the same triggers as migraines. But unlike
migraines, cluster headaches come on suddenly with piercing pain. They
usually also involve eye redness, tearing, or nasal congestion on the
affected side. They last 30 to 90 minutes and can occur up to eight times a
day.

Fast-acting treatments for cluster headaches include oxygen and triptans,
which are available to be taken by pill, nasal spray, or injection. Steroids
and nerve blocks may also be an option. There is no cure for cluster
headaches, but getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol may lower their
frequency. Doctors can also prescribe preventive medications to keep them at
bay.

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes

While you may want to automatically reach for an over-the-counter pain
medication when you have a headache, it’s important to avoid relying too
heavily on a “magic pill.” Regular use of pain medications can sometimes
cause rebound headaches when stopped, creating a vicious cycle. Instead,
focus on lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, ensuring good sleep
hygiene, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. These
adjustments can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, leading
to a healthier and more comfortable life.