Every Headache Is Not A Migraine

A dull headache presses into the space above the left eye. It starts to throb and the pain becomes unbearable. Sound, light, and smell surge the pain, which may also cause the person to vomit. Their vision goes blur and can even lead to fainting. Headaches can cause any or all these symptoms. Dizziness and light-headedness of the body, sensitivity to light, distorted vision, flashes of light, acute, frequent or throbbing pain at one side of the head, nausea and vomiting – these are all signs of migraine. But every headache is not a migraine.

Types of headaches

Primary Headache: A primary headache is not associated with any medical condition and is classified into tension headaches and cluster headaches.

- A tension headache causes constant pain on both sides of the head. The person experiences a feeling of pressure behind the eyes and tenderness in the face, head, neck, and shoulders. It also causes sensitivity to light and sound, just like a migraine, even though it isn't a migraine. While migraines last for up to 3 days, tension headaches are felt only for a couple of hours. Nevertheless, it is always suggested to consult a family doctor during the onset of a headache.

- Cluster headaches are recurrent and severe. Men are more likely to develop a cluster headache than women. It mostly causes an intense burning or piercing pain behind or around the eye. It is accompanied by a watery eye, swollen eyelids, a blocked or runny nose, and restlessness. People experiencing a cluster headache also have sensitivity to light and sound A consultation at a family clinic is suggested if the pain becomes unbearable.

Secondary Headache: A secondary headache is caused by an injury (such as a concussion) or a medical condition (such as an infection or a brain tumor).

Primary headaches usually resolve within a few days. But if the pain is frequent and debilitating, medical attention is required. The physicians at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic have several years of experience in ascertaining the cause of headaches and diagnosing them.

How is a headache diagnosed?

At the start of the headache, a patient may visit a walk in clinic, an urgent care clinic, or even a hospital that offers same day appointments. The diagnosis starts with reviewing the patient’s and his/her family's medical history, present medical conditions (if any), and current medications to determine the cause of the headache. Pain-relieving and preventive medications and treatments are suggested if the doctor diagnoses it as a primary headache. The patient may also be asked to inculcate essential lifestyle changes.

In case of a secondary headache, the diagnostic test includes

- Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the head to detect bleeding caused by a ruptured or leaking aneurysm, stroke, brain tumors, diseases, or malformation of the skull.

- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assist in the diagnosis of tumors, disorders of the eyes and the inner ear, blood vessel problems, and strokes among others.

- Spinal tap or Lumbar puncture to treat infections like meningitis, inflammatory conditions of the nervous system, bleeding around the brain, and such.

- CT angiography is done only if the doctor suspects the patient has an aneurysm.

A headache may either be as simple as one caused by tension or as severe as an aneurysm. It is not always a migraine.

• Prev
• Next