Migraine and Headache: The Most Important Differences

Migraine is characterized by intense pain or throbbing sensation, usually on one side of the head.

An estimated 1 out of every 10 people worldwide has had a migraine in the past year. Although it is a common condition, many misconceptions about migraines persist. Here are the most common myths.

Migraine is a headache

Migraine is often used to describe any headache, but experts say that is not correct. Not all migraines necessarily involve headaches.

The symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the migraine. There are four stages of a migraine, although not everyone experiences all of them:

• Prodrome: This happens one or two days before the migraine attack.
• Aura: It can occur before or during the migraine. Auras are usually visual (bright spots, sparkles of light, or vision loss).
• Headache: This is what is commonly known as a migraine. It usually lasts four to 72 hours.
• Postdrome: You may feel exhausted for up to a day after a migraine attack.
  

It is only a migraine if you experience an aura

This is not true. According to researchers, most migraines do not occur with aura. Only between 10 and 30% of people with migraine experience this stage.

Migraines are always severe

Not necessarily. In fact, most types of migraine are not severe. However, migraine can be chronic and is often debilitating and incapacitating if not treated properly.

Migraine only affects older adults

Most conditions occur more often in older adults. This is not the case with migraine. Statistics show that, although migraine can happen at any age, it tends to occur between ages 10 and 45.

Alcohol and fatty food cause migraines

Some people have found that migraine episodes are triggered by certain foods or ingredients, such as alcoholic beverages, processed foods, and chocolate.

However, this does not mean that eating these foods causes migraines.

Drinking coffee can make migraines worse

Evidence on caffeine intake and migraine is contradictory. Different studies have found that excess caffeine consumption can lead to chronic migraine, whereas quitting caffeine cold turkey can trigger migraine attacks.

Migraines are only triggered by diet

In addition to foods and beverages, other factors can trigger a migraine, such as hormone changes, stress, altered sleep patterns, intense physical activity, and weather changes.

Sources: National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization.