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Make sure to consult your doctor about headache diagnosis and treatment

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Differences Between Migraines & Other Headaches

A migraine is more than just a bad headache

Migraine headaches are a neurological disorder characterized by imbalances in brain chemistry.^{1, 2}

Although the exact cause of migraine headaches isn’t completely understood, medical researchers believe that migraine headaches are caused by altered blood flow and abnormal levels of naturally produced substances in the brain. When blood flow is decreased, certain arteries dilate and cause pain producing chemicals to be released. Additionally, the dilation causes an increase in the natural substance levels. This makes the blood vessels lining the brain swell and creates pressure on nearby nerves. These nerves send pain signals to the body that are typically felt around the eye or temple region and can extend to the face, sinus, jaw, or neck. ^{1, 2}

Your migraines may be inherited

If someone in your family gets migraine headaches, then it’s not surprising you get them as well. That’s because the abnormalities in the brain that can lead to migraines appear to be genetically inherited.³ In fact, 70% to 80% of people who get migraines have a family history of the disorder.²

Migraines vs. tension headaches

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, migraines tend to be more severe than tension-type headaches.¹

You can compare common symptoms of migraine vs. tension headaches below. However, be sure to consult your doctor about headache diagnosis and treatment.

Migraine vs. bad tension-type headache¹

Symptom	Tension Headache	Migraine Headache
Intensity of pain
Mild to moderate
Moderate to severe
Quality of pain
Pounding or throbbing
Distracting, dull tightness
Steady ache
Location of pain
One side of head
Both sides of head
Other associated symptoms
Nausea
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Aura before onset of headache†

Only a doctor can determine if your headache is a migraine. Please consult your doctor about headache diagnosis and treatment.

^†Only one in five people with migraine experience aura.¹