Almost everyone has suffered from a headache at some point, whether it was a minor one or a debilitating, pulsating migraine. Not sure which category yours falls under? We’ve got how to differentiate a common headache from a migraine; plus, find out how you can feel better.

These are the most common type of headaches, and women are more likely to suffer from them than men. The causes are usually linked to emotional or mental stress, anxiety, hunger, or not getting enough rest—and can be triggered by any event or situation that involves these conditions.

 

• The pain is mild to moderate;

• You feel constant pressure affecting your whole head, or as if someone was tying a band around it;

• You have difficulty falling (and staying) asleep;

• You are irritable;

• You have trouble concentrating;

• You have mild sensitivity to light or noise;

• You are still able to perform daily tasks.

 

• Take an OTC (“Over the Counter”) pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid);

• Get plenty of rest;

• Make sure to eat meals regularly.

 

 

According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated that about 8% of Canadians of age 12 or older have been clinically diagnosed with migraines. Such as with tension headaches, women are more prone to migraines than men. The exact causes of migraines are still unknown, but what is known is that they are related to changes in the brain, and that sensitivity to different triggers may be inherited in some cases. Examples of triggers include emotional stress, menstrual periods, not eating regularly, getting too little sleep, and consuming certain foods and drinks such as wine, chocolate, and products containing caffeine.

 

• The pain is moderate to severe;

• You feel throbbing pressure in one concentrated area of the head, often just on one side;

• You feel nauseous;

• You feel dizzy;

• Your vision is blurred;

• You have extreme sensitivity to light or noise;

• You are unable to perform daily tasks.

• Take an OTC (“Over the Counter”) pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid);

• Take a migraine medication prescribed by your doctor;

• Identify and avoid the triggers that cause your migraines.

 

If you think you may be experiencing migraines, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible and get a proper diagnosis. He or she will then help you to identify triggers and prescribe the appropriate type of medication to get your migraines under control and even help prevent them from occurring.