Migraine versus Tension-Type Headaches: Know the
Difference
Columns A and B show the symptoms commonly seen in
two types of headache. Compare your symptoms with those listed and determine
what type of headache you may have by noting whether your symptoms are most like
those in column A or B. Some people have both of these types of headache. If
your headaches are very severe or if you think they are some other type, do not
delay in seeking professional medical attention.
|
Symptom |
A
Tension |
B
Migraine |
|
Intensity and Quality of Pain |
|
Mild-to-moderate |
* |
* |
|
Moderate-to-severe |
* |
* |
|
Intense, pounding, throbbing and/or
debilitating |
|
* |
|
Distracting but not debilitating |
* |
|
|
Steady ache |
* |
|
|
Location of Pain |
|
One side of head |
|
* |
|
Both sides of head |
* |
* |
|
Associated Symptoms |
|
Nausea/vomiting |
|
* |
|
Sensitivity to light and/or sounds |
|
* |
|
Aura before onset of headache such as visual
symptoms |
|
* |
|
Note:
Rebound headache may have features of tension and/or migraine
headache |
Source:
www.migraines.org,
www.health.gov.
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