Index
- How to distinguish between tension headaches and migraines
- The different characteristics of migraines
- The properties of tension headaches
- How to treat migraines effectively
- What is the treatment of the crisis
- The basic treatment of the crisis
- What is the treatment of a tension headache?
How to distinguish between tension headaches and migraines
Tension headache or migraine, how to tell the difference between the two. Most often, the manifestations of the two ailments are confusing. It is necessary to know how to distinguish them from each other to find the appropriate treatment. Knowing the characteristics of each of them helps to learn more about them. Both headaches are listed as primary headaches, but each one has its own specificity. They are the most common disorders of the nervous system. Nearly half of all adults have at least one headache in a year.
The different characteristics of migraines
They usually manifest themselves as repeated seizures on one side of the head only. Headaches are moderate in intensity and can be severe. The pain may be pulsatile, with the sensation of receiving blows to the head, or unilateral. Light, sound and physical exertion are unbearable for the person suffering from migraines. Attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours. The pain is concentrated around the blood vessels and nerves in the head. It can sometimes be accompanied by nausea or even vomiting. It can be so painful that it can cause work stoppages and affect productivity. Women are the most affected compared to men. The reason is attributed to hormones. Migraine headaches occur before, during or after menstruation and sometimes before menopause. But it can also result from :
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Stress
- A change in atmospheric pressure
- Caffeine or alcohol abuse
The properties of tension headaches
A tension headache is a headache related to excessive contraction of the neck muscles. The patient feels a sensation of tension that sometimes concentrates behind the neck or on both sides of the head. It is said to be a helmet pain. Some stiffness is sometimes felt. 1 to 3% of adults suffer from chronic forms of headache. It can last from a few hours to several days. The pain may stop when the person relaxes. On the other hand, a feeling of heavy head makes it difficult for the patient to concentrate.
It may be necessary to call for help if the headache comes on suddenly, accompanied by intense pain. This is a sign of a stroke. A feeling of weakness and paralysis may occur. The following cases may also be suspected, depending on the intensity of the pain:
- Meningeal hemorrhage: pain is unusual and difficult to bear
- Meningitis: headache with stiff neck, vomiting and fever
- Acute glaucoma: intense pain with eye pain
How to treat migraines effectively
Migraines can be treated in different ways. There is the treatment of the attack and the treatment of the background. Treatment of the attack helps to relieve the pain quickly. The basic treatment, on the other hand, helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. It must be taken continuously over a long period of time.
What is the treatment of the crisis
A migraine attack can be treated at its very beginning. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are the main medications used. For good crisis management, keeping a crisis diary is advised. It should contain the following information:
- Frequency of crises
- Their duration
- Their intensity
- Treatments
The basic treatment of the crisis
The prescription of the substantive treatment comes into play when the crisis treatment has not produced any results. This treatment must be spread over three months to be effective. It aims in particular to reduce the frequency of attacks by up to 50%. Intense migraine attacks can be treated with medicines from the triptan family, powerful vasoconstrictors. Medicines derived from ergot of rye are also effective.
What is the treatment of a tension headache?
Painkillers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin relieve mild to moderate tension headaches. In addition to analgesics, behavioural and psychological interventions consist of relaxation techniques to better manage stress. For chronic tension headaches, a tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, may be helpful. It is a medication to prevent migraine headaches.
Learning to differentiate migraine from tension headache is essential. The medicines used are not the same. It is the same for the effects. Seeing a doctor is always advisable, because with self-medication, adverse effects can be a great risk. Non-pharmacological treatments such as relaxation, biofeedback can help for a better well-being compared to migraine and tension headaches.
