Migraines vs Headaches Essay

Submitted By desiwesi15
Words: 471
Pages: 2

Migraines vs. Headaches When you feel pain coming on in any region of your head, you are likely dealing with a headache, even though different types of headaches produce different symptoms. Headaches can be distinguished by their cause. Headaches are normally classified into two main types: primary headaches and secondary headaches. A migraine, which is a disabling, recurring headache that frequently occurs only on one side of the head and often results in other symptoms, is one type of primary headache. Other primary headaches include cluster and tension headaches. Tension-type headaches are the most common headache, and are often experienced as mild, dull pressure without other accompanying symptoms. Cluster headaches, which are less common than migraines or tension headaches, usually bring severe pain (sometimes described as “stabbing” pain) behind one eye, and may be accompanied by redness and nasal congestion. The other main type of headache is called a secondary headache. These headaches, while relatively rare, are more serious than primary headaches. That is because they are often caused by other serious health problems or underlying conditions, such as brain aneurysms or tumors, dysfunctions of the spinal fluid, or inflammatory diseases. In order to treat secondary headaches, a doctor must first diagnose and treat the underlying condition that has caused the headache. It is important to know what type of headache you have so that you can treat it the correct way. While a doctor can help diagnose your headache, you can probably make the assessment yourself simply by knowing the symptoms. A migraine headache can be quite severe, causing intense pulsing or throbbing sensations in one area of your head. Other distressing symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and light or sound sensitivity. Secondary headaches are generally distinguished by neurological symptoms that accompany a very severe headache—your doctor can give you a neurological examination to rule out