Many people suffer from recurrent headaches, but how do you know whether that throbbing pain in your head is a migraine or not? Here are some criteria that can help.
Headache Types
Headaches are usually classified into two main types: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches include migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches. A migraine is a recurring headache that frequently occurs only on one side of the head, is often disabling and is usually accompanied by other symptoms, including nausea, increased sensitivity to light, sound and/or smells and visual disturbances. Cluster headaches are usually accompanied by severe (often referred to as “stabbing”) pain behind one eye and may be associated with sinus congestion. Tension-headaches are the most common type of primary headache and are often accompanied by a mild, dull pressure in the head without other symptoms.
Secondary headaches are usually caused by some other health problem or underlying condition, including brain aneurysms, tumors, head trauma or inflammatory diseases. In order to successfully address secondary headaches, the underlying cause(s) must be identified.
How can you tell?
Migraines share several qualities with both tension and secondary headaches. However, in general a migraine will have several of the following qualities:
- Severe/intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of your head
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound and/or smells
- Head pain that can be debilitating
- See an aura (i.e., flashes of light, blind spots, or see shapes or bright spots) before your headache
- Achieve relief from triptan medications
If you have any questions about what type of headache you are experiencing, talk with your doctor. If you determine you are suffering from migraines, there are several proven options to help you eliminate your pain.
