You are going about your regular, daily activities, when suddenly a headache strikes. Is it a migraine headache or a non-migraine headache? Is there any way to distinguish a migraine headache from other headaches?
Some believe a migraine headache is always preceded by aura. They define aura as visual disturbances, especially zig-zag lines and flashes of light. But this is not necessarily true of every migraine headache. So how do you know?
Three Kinds of Headache
Migraine headaches are one of three main types of headache apart from those that accompany illnesses such as colds and flu.Cluster Headache
Most medical dictionaries define cluster headaches as: a distinctive pattern of headaches, also known as migrainous neuralgia. Cluster headaches are most common in middle-aged men, and are very painful.
Clinically, cluster headaches may be episodic or chronic in nature.
* Episodic cluster headaches are the more common of the two. These are characterized by daily, short pain attacks around the eyes. The attacks come suddenly, without warning, may number up to three or more each day, and cluster over a 1-2 month interval. Cluster headaches go into remission then for about a year.
* Chronic cluster headaches usually do not go into remission for long. They may start with no past history of cluster headaches, or begin several years after an episodic pattern of cluster headaches has been present.
The main symptom of cluster headache is sudden, steady pain around one eye. The headache continues for 30 minutes to 2 hours, and is worsened by lying down. You can see how some would mistake them for migraine headache. Cluster headache should be treated by a physician, who may recommend inhalation of 100% oxygen.
Migraine Headache
Only about 15 to 20 percent of people with migraine headache experience aura: the 15 to 30 minutes of visual, aural, and other disturbances. Most people with migraine headache do experience these symptoms:
* debilitating, throbbing head pain near the eye, usually on one side
* pain worsens with physical activity
* sensitivity to light/sound
* nausea or vomiting
* episodes last 4 to 72 hours, but may persist for weeks
Chronic migraine headache may require prescription medication. You should see your physician.
Tension Headache
The third type of headache is the most common, and is caused by tightening muscles in the back and shoulders. It usually results from physical or emotional stress. People describe the pain as pressure in the head, a band around the head, or pain all over the head. Symptoms that distinguish tension headache are:
* fullness, pressure, or tightness over the top of the head or at the base of the head in back
* steady pain that does not pulsate
* occasional slight nausea or even vomiting in some
Tension headache usually responds to home treatment. Hot or cold showers followed by massage of the neck muscles are often effective. Lying in a darkened room and breathing deeply may also bring relief. Many take aspirin or aspirin with caffeine for tension headache.
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