Did you know that June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about headache disorders and their impact on millions of people around the world?
This annual observance aims to highlight the challenges faced by those living with chronic headaches and migraines, while promoting education about treatment options and support resources. As we recognize this important month, let's take a closer look at the distinctions between common headaches and migraines to better understand these conditions.
The Big Difference Between Migraines and Headaches
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by various factors like stress, muscle tension, or certain foods. People who have headaches often complain of a band of pain across their forehead or pressure on either side of the head. You can treat a headache with pain relievers, applying heat or cold compresses, getting enough rest, managing stress, massage, and hydration.
Types of Primary Headaches:
- Tension-type headaches
- Cluster headaches
- New daily persistent headaches (NDPH)
Types of Secondary Headaches:
- Dehydration headache
- Sinus headaches
- Medication overuse headaches
Migraines are a neurological disease that involves nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes in brain activity affect blood in the brain and surrounding tissues, causing a range of symptoms including nausea, increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, dizziness, and extreme fatigue.
Stages of a Migraine:
- Prodrome phase: This stage features painless symptoms that occur hours or days before the migraine arrives. These include mood swings, food cravings, and stiffness of the neck.
- Aura phase: Auras refer to sensory disturbances that occur before or during a migraine. Auras can affect a person's vision, touch, or speech, though not everyone who suffers from migraines experiences auras. Examples of auras include blurred visions, blind spots that expand over time, numbness in the arm, and slurred or jumbled speech.
- Headache phase: This is when the pain occurs. It may range from mild to debilitating. Physical activity and exposure to light, sound, and smells may worsen the pain.
- Postdromal phase: The final phase is when the pain has subsided. People may feel exhausted, confused, or generally unwell during this phase.
How to Treat a Migraine: Migraine treatment is aimed at stopping symptoms and preventing future attacks. Medications used to combat migraines fall into two broad categories:
- Pain-relieving medications: These types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms.
- Preventive medications: These types of drugs are taken regularly, often daily, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.
At Solara Health, we understand how debilitating migraines and headaches can be. Our team of specialists offers personalized treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact Solara Health today at 732-724-3070.
published: June 2, 2025, 3:19 p.m.