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Explained: migraine or headache, how to tell the difference

Explained: migraine or headache, how to tell the difference
Photo: Illustration: Cradlenote Health (synthetic)

Both migraine and tension headaches are common, but they need different care.

Typical differences (not a diagnosis).
MigraineTension headache
PainThrobbing, often one sideDull band, both sides
Duration4 to 72 hours30 minutes to a few hours
ExtrasNausea, light sensitivityUsually none
ActivityGets worse with movementNot affected

See a doctor if a headache is sudden and severe, follows a head injury or comes with fever, a stiff neck or weakness.

Sources

This is a demo story: every name, place, organisation and figure in it is fictional.

Sources

  1. Classification of headache disorders (demo) · Demo Headache Society,

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