Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches in the United States, according to the National Headache Foundation. Migraine headaches differ from regular headaches because of their cause. According to MedlinePlus, migraine headaches are believed to be the result of brain activity, involving various chemicals. Normal headaches are the result of an external cause. For example, a sinus headache is the result of excessive pressure caused by swollen sinuses. Migraines still remain somewhat of a mystery to the medical field.
Definition
Migraine headaches cause severe throbbing pain, located in the center of the head that can last for a few hours or days. Migraine headaches can affect a person's ability to think and function normally, according to MayoClinic.com. Migraine headaches can come on suddenly without warning or there can be signs of an upcoming migraine attack.
Difference
One of the main differences between migraine headaches and regular headaches is the cause and cure. Most regular headaches have an identifiable cause, such as a viral infection, sinus pressure or an illness, but migraines can come on without cause or explanation. According to MayoClinic.com, migraine headaches have no cure, while regular headaches are cured by removing the cause.
Symptoms
Migraine headaches have more symptoms than regular headaches. A regular headache may be accompanied by a fever or body chills, but migraines can have various symptoms. Common migraine symptoms, according to MedlinePlus, are eye pain, tunnel vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weakness, difficulty concentrating, chills, loss of appetite, severe pain in the head, sensitivity to light or sound and increased urination.
Causes
The cause of many migraines still remain a mystery, according to MayoClinic.com. Regular headaches have an identifiable cause. Certain triggers have been identified as causing an onset of a migraine. Allergies, odors, alcohol, bright lights, loud noises, smoking, hormone changes, physical stress and skipping meals are some triggers for migraine headaches. Once a trigger is identified, the individual should avoid exposure to the trigger to prevent a migraine.
Treatment
The most common treatment for migraine headaches is the use of over-the-counter pain relieving medications. A combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine is used to treat migraine headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. Other anit-inflammatory prescribed medications are used to manage the pain from migraines. Talk with a doctor about the best treatment option.
