Migraine vs Headache

Headache is a symptom, not a single disease. Migraine is one type of headache disorder with a characteristic pattern. Telling the difference can help people choose appropriate treatment and recognise symptoms that require urgent evaluation.

Migraine features
Migraine may cause moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side, with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an aura, such as temporary visual or sensory symptoms, before or during the headache.

Other headaches
Tension-type headaches often feel like pressure or tightening and may be associated with stress or muscle tension. Sinus symptoms, medication overuse and several other conditions can also cause headache.

Keep a headache diary
Record timing, duration, possible triggers, sleep, meals, menstrual pattern, medicines and associated symptoms. This can reveal patterns and helps a clinician decide whether preventive treatment is appropriate.

When to seek help
Frequent headaches, a changing headache pattern, headaches that require pain medicine often, or headaches interfering with daily life deserve medical evaluation. Do not repeatedly increase painkiller doses without guidance.

When to seek medical help
A sudden 'worst-ever' headache, headache with weakness, speech difficulty, seizure, confusion, fainting, high fever and neck stiffness, new headache after significant head injury, or a new severe headache in pregnancy requires urgent assessment.



Medical note: This article is for general health education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.