Migraine vs Headache in Columbia MO
Migraine is the 3rd most common illness in the world. In the United States, 12% of the population, including children, suffer from migraines. Migraines can result in a disability that makes you unable to work and participate in daily activities. If you or someone you know suffers from migraines vs headaches in Columbia MO, continue reading to learn more.
What's the difference between migraines Vs Headaches in Columbia MO?
Headaches and migraines are not the same things. They each have many different causes, depending on the individual. Treatment for these two conditions also differs. Learning about migraines and headaches will help you give a specific description of your symptoms. You will also find ways to work toward preventing and alleviating the symptoms.
What is a headache?
Any pain in the head is a headache. This may happen on one or both sides of the head. Sometimes, it is only in one part of the head or it stars at one point and travels to another. Headaches often feel like a sharp, throbbing, or dull pain. They can come on overtime or at once. Headaches may last from less than an hour to several days.
What causes a headache?
Most headaches aren’t associated with serious illness. Headaches are divided into primary and secondary headaches:
Primary headaches - result from incorrect sensing of pain in parts of your head. Abnormal chemical activity in your brain, blood vessels in your brain, or muscles of your head and neck may cause a headache. Some people have a genetic tendency to get headaches.
Secondary headaches - are a symptom of a disease process causing pain-sensing nerves in your head to activate. Several conditions can contribute to this cause of headaches. Examples can range from sinus headaches to chronic tightening of muscles.
Contact your physician if you have recurring headaches or a headache lasting more than about 3 days. If you ever have “the worst headache of your life” go immediately to the emergency room.
What is a Migraine?
Migraines are a neurologic disease that causes debilitating symptoms usually lasting 4 to 72 hours. These symptoms often include:
- Severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, but may occur on both
- Visual changes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch, and smell
- Tingling or numbness in arms, legs, or face
Not all migraines include head pain. It may only include some of these symptoms. Twenty-five percent of migraine sufferers also report visual changes before the migraine starts. This is called an aura.
Common triggers for migraines
Individuals with migraines may find certain things trigger their migraines. These triggers may include:
- stress or other strong emotions
- hormonal shifts
- exposure to certain types of light or smells
- exhaustion or changes in sleep pattern
- glaring or flickering lights
- changing weather
- specific food or drinks
Identifying your triggers can help you prevent migraines.
Treatment of headaches and migraines
Finding the cause of headaches or migraines proves helpful in determining effective treatment. If you experience frequent these problems, see your doctor. Before going to the doctor, keep a log of your symptoms, how long you have symptoms, and what makes it worse or better.
Your doctor will obtain a complete history, including your symptom log. If indicated, tests may help determine the underlying cause. From this point, a plan of care will be developed to decrease the occurrence of your symptoms.
Our goal is to provide individualized care to meet your needs. We work within a holistic framework to help you gain a pain-free life and return to the activities you want to do. Did you learn new information in this article about migraine vs headache? If you want more information, contact us today. Our passion lies in helping you achieve your goals.
