Headaches and migraines are two words people like to use synonymously to describe pains or aches in the head. However, there is a slight difference between the two that you should understand before seeking treatments for them. If you are experiencing a migraine in La Jolla, San Diego and need treatment, give us a call today! (858) 255-8325
Learn More About Headaches Vs. Migraines
Headaches
A headache describes a continuous painful feeling in the head. The pain could be the result of an independent or secondary medical condition.
For instance, primary headaches are due to independent medical conditions forming in the head, such as tension headaches, cluster headaches, hypnic headaches, and migraine headaches. Secondary headaches are due to other medical conditions causing the head pains, such as medication overdoses, stress, anxiety, depression, infection, insomnia, etc.
Migraines
A migraine is one of the four primary headaches you could get. The difference between migraine headaches and the other three primary headaches is that you may experience additional symptoms beyond severe head pains.
For instance, migraine pains and symptoms often occur in unexpected episodes or attacks where you feel intense throbbing headaches for several hours or days. The severity of the migraine pains differs each time they occur. Also, you may feel head pain on one side of your head or both sides. Everyone feels it differently.
In addition, some of the other migraine symptoms besides the head pains are neck stiffness, frequent yawning, mood swings, constipation, light or sound sensitivity, food cravings, blurred vision, jumbled speech, and many other possible symptoms.
Treatment Options
When you visit your primary care physician for advice about treating headaches and migraines, they will probably tell you to take over-the-counter medications first. For example, acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin can effectively treat mild headaches and migraines. But if you have more severe symptoms of pain and discomfort from your headaches or migraines, you may need a prescription medication to treat it. Popular prescription treatment options for primary headaches and migraines include anti-nausea medications (beta-blockers), triptans, and ergot alkaloids. You could also try more indirect treatments for other conditions that may exacerbate your headaches or migraines, such as antidepressants, Botox injections, and antiseizure medications.
Of course, the healthiest medicine doesn’t involve consuming any oral medication. Instead, the best long-term treatment options for reducing or eliminating headaches and migraines include regular exercise, nutritious eating, stress management, and relaxation techniques.
Please see a doctor for further advice and guidance regarding your headaches and migraines, especially if they are recurring as frequent episodes or attacks. A doctor can conduct a physical examination to determine the condition causing your headaches or migraines. Then you can receive treatment to eliminate the other condition, which will eliminate your headaches and migraines in the process.
Request a Medical Diagnosis Today
Do you need help diagnosing your head pain to determine if you have a migraine or another type of headache?
Urgent Care La Jolla has a team of qualified doctors who can perform a physical examination to determine the source of your head pains. Call us at (858) 255-8325 to make an appointment today.
