Migraine or Headache: Key Differences Explained

Posted on: Jun 6, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Migraine or Headache: Key Differences Explained

Do you often experience a pounding pain in your head and wonder whether it is just a headache or a migraine? You are not alone. Many people find it hard to tell the difference between the two. While they can feel similar at first, migraines are usually more intense and often come with additional symptoms. Understanding the difference can help you deal with the pain better and get the right care. Let’s take a closer look at how to know if it is a migraine or a headache.

How to Know if it is a Migraine or a Headache?

If you experience frequent headaches and find yourself wondering whether it is a regular headache or a migraine, understanding the differences between the two can help you identify them:

• Headache

There are different types of headaches, and figuring out where and how your pain feels can help identify the cause.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Tension headaches

These are the most common type and typically feel like a tight band around the head. The pain starts at the back and moves forward. Tension headaches usually get triggered due to stress, eyestrain, or hunger, and they can last for a long time.

• Sinus headaches

These often happen when the sinuses get inflamed or blocked, often due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections. They cause pain behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes, especially after waking up in the morning or bending forward.

• Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are very painful headaches that come in groups or "clusters." They happen suddenly and usually affect one side of the head, mostly around the eye.

• Migraine

A migraine is a strong headache that usually causes throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain can last for hours or even days, and sometimes it’s tough to manage everyday tasks because of it.

However, a migraine is more than just a bad headache – it is a neurological condition that affects how the brain works. During a migraine, there are changes in brain activity, nerves, and chemicals, which can mess with blood flow in the brain. That’s what causes a mix of symptoms, like:

• Throbbing headache (usually on one side)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

• Vision changes or “aura”

• Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs

A migraine can have up to four phases, but not everyone goes through all of them:

1. Prodrome (pre-headache)

This happens hours or days before the migraine. You might feel tired, moody, crave certain foods, or have a stiff neck.

2. Aura

Some people get warning signs like blurred vision, blind spots, tingling or trouble speaking. These can happen before or during the migraine.

3. Headache

This is when the actual pain hits. It can be mild or very strong, often made worse by light, sound, or movement. Some people may also have a migraine without a headache.

4. Postdrome (after the headache)

Once the pain fades, you might feel drained, confused, or just off for a day or so.

Conclusion

Migraines and regular headaches can feel similar, but migraines usually come with extra symptoms and can last much longer. Headaches, on the other hand, are often milder and go away with rest or simple painkillers.

Remember to have a good health insurance plan so you can easily access the right care when you need it without financial stress.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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