We Mustache You A Question ??

Is It A Headache Or A Migraine?

We all get headaches from time to time. Spring weather blows in a lot of pollen that causes sinus headaches, and the busyness of general life can cause us more than a few stress headaches. But these headaches are different than migraine headaches.

In honor of Migraine Headache Awareness Month, we want to help you spot the difference between headaches and migraines. To get the care you need, you must understand your symptoms. Thirty-five million Americans experience migraines, the majority of them being women. Migraines are no small problem, and it's an issue that impacts the sufferer's ability to perform normal daily functions and enjoy their lives and families.

WHAT IS A HEADACHE?

A headache is a temporary condition that causes pain in the head, face, or neck. Headaches are classified as primary or secondary types. A migraine is an example of a primary type headache, and secondary headaches occur as the result of another medical condition such as infection, stress, or a medication you're taking.

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE?

A migraine is a type of primary headache, meaning that it isn't caused by any outside factor. Migraines cause extreme pain and other symptoms, and some migraines can last for several days. There are four phases of a migraine, and each phase carries its own set of symptoms that range from nausea to blurred vision and even trouble communicating. All patients experience migraines differently, which is one of the factors that make them difficult to treat.

There are several different migraine medications. Your physician can help you find the proper treatment for your symptoms. But there are also lifestyle factors that decrease your risk of experiencing a migraine. Regular exercise, eliminating triggering foods from your diet, and stress management tools are some of the most valuable ways to protect yourself from getting a migraine. Prevention is essential to living a migraine-free life.

Unfortunately, the United States is desperately understaffed when it comes to migraine experts. It's important to advocate for yourself and speak up when debilitating symptoms keep you from living the full and wonderful life you deserve.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.