Migraine or Headache: Do you know the difference? Headaches are one of the most frequent causes of medical consultation. They can be caused by various factors and come in different forms. Very common, these pains can really affect our daily lives. To take the appropriate measures to treat them, it is important to know how to recognize them and identify their symptoms. Our doctors give you the keys to recognize them.

Tension Headache

Tension headache is one of the most common headaches. It is usually described as a dull or pressing pain on either side of the skull. Symptoms usually include a feeling of tightness around the skull and mild to moderate pain. Possible causes of tension headaches include stress, fatigue, frequent poor posture or anxiety. To treat this type of headache, relaxation methods, stress reduction and over-the-counter pain medication may be recommended. Generally, the intensity of this headache does not interfere with activities of daily living. The duration of the symptoms should be brief (from a few minutes to a few days). They should not be accompanied by fever or bodily repercussions (blurred vision, numbness, etc.). The mode of onset of this headache must be very gradual. In case of doubt, significant pain, fever or sudden onset of this headache, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Migraine

Another common type of headache, migraine, is intense, recurrent and can last from a few hours to several days. It is often localized to one side of the skull and accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and dizziness. The exact causes of migraine are not yet fully understood, but factors such as hormonal changes, dietary triggers, visual impairment, back pain, stress, and environmental changes can contribute. Migraine treatment may include specific migraine medications, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques.

Vascular pain in the face

A cluster headache is a rare but extremely painful headache. It is characterized by intense, piercing pain, usually located on one side of the head. It may be accompanied by redness of the eyes, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and excessive sweating. The exact causes of this headache are not yet known, but it is known that the absorption of alcohol can be a trigger. The possible treatments for this pain include using specific drugs, often administered intravenously in a hospital structure, and relying on oxygen administration by mask.

Sinus Headache

Sinus headache is often associated with infection or inflammation of the sinuses. It manifests as throbbing pain in the sinus area, such as the forehead, cheeks, or nose. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, purulent, runny nose, pain in head movement, and tenderness. Causes of sinus headaches include sinusitis, allergies, or structural sinus problems. The treatment for sinus headaches depends on the cause of this inflammation. Some infectious sinusitis, especially those affecting the frontal sinuses (above the eyes), can be serious. If they are associated with fever, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately.

So there are several causes for your headache. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as, fortunately, many options are available to relieve pain and improve quality of life. If you have a recurring headache, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Suppose the latter is not available on Livi. In that case, our general practitioners are at your disposal 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight.