Is It Migraine? Tension-Type Headache? What?

(Page 3)

Below, is a table summarizing the symptoms of headaches and some links to more information. Please keep in mind the phrase, "Your mileage may vary" (YMMV). Not all Migraine and headache sufferers will experience the same symptoms or react the same way to the various treatment methods and medications. Keep a Migraine and headache diary, work with your doctor to your head pain and develop your treatment plan, and let's BEAT THAT PAIN. Support can be crucial. Talking with others who truly understand is invaluable. Join us in our forum to talk to others in similar situations.

Types of Head Pain
Type	% Pop.	Location of Pain	Duration	Whom it Affects	Severity of Pain
Migraine	12%	Often one-sided & throbbing; may be accompanied by nausea & vomiting, light and noise sensitivity. Pain is made worse by activity.	4-72 hours	3 to 1 women to men, may affect children	mild to severe
Tension	80%	Usually both sides of head, low-level ache. Often described as a band or vise around the head.	2 hours to 1 week	3 to 1 women to men, may affect children	mild to moderate
Cluster	1%	Always one-sided, around the eye, often accompanied by a stuffy nose & eye tearing on affected side.	10 minutes to 2 hours	4 to 1 men to women, seldom seen in children	severe

Summary:

It can be tricky to know why our heads hurt sometimes. One of the best lessons I learned is that my so-called "sinus headaches" are actually Migraines. When you see where the trigeminal nerve is located and realize that it's inflamed during a Migraine, that facial pain being Migraine makes sense. If you'd like to see for yourself, take a look at the illustration Pathways of Migraine.

If you're not sure what your "headaches" are, please do see your doctor. Unexplained head pain should always be checked out, and there's no sense in putting up with pain if you don't have to.