Migraine vs. Headache: How to Tell the Difference and What Helps
Migraine is not just a bad headache. It's a neurological condition that affects roughly 1 in 7 people — and women are three times more likely to experience it than men.
Migraine is not just a bad headache. It's a neurological condition that affects roughly 1 in 7 people — and women are three times more likely to experience it than men.
What distinguishes migraine
Migraine attacks involve moderate to severe throbbing pain (usually one-sided), nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks last 4–72 hours without treatment. About 25% of people experience 'aura' before or during the headache phase.
The hormonal connection
Estrogen fluctuations are one of the most powerful migraine triggers in women. Many women notice migraines clustered around menstruation, ovulation, or during perimenopause.
Acute treatments
Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, etc.) are the most effective class of acute migraine treatment. Newer options include gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant) and ditans (lasmiditan), which have different mechanisms.
Prevention
For people with frequent migraines (4+ per month), preventive treatment significantly reduces attack frequency. Options include beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and CGRP inhibitors.
When triptans are not appropriate
Triptans cause blood vessel constriction and are contraindicated for people with cardiovascular disease or history of stroke. A provider must review your full cardiovascular history before prescribing.
This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Quick answers
- What distinguishes migraine
- Migraine attacks involve moderate to severe throbbing pain (usually one-sided), nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks last 4–72 hours without treatment. About 25% of people experience 'aura' before or during the headache phase.
- The hormonal connection
- Estrogen fluctuations are one of the most powerful migraine triggers in women. Many women notice migraines clustered around menstruation, ovulation, or during perimenopause.
- Acute treatments
- Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, etc.) are the most effective class of acute migraine treatment. Newer options include gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant) and ditans (lasmiditan), which have different mechanisms.
- Prevention
- For people with frequent migraines (4+ per month), preventive treatment significantly reduces attack frequency. Options include beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and CGRP inhibitors.
- When triptans are not appropriate
- Triptans cause blood vessel constriction and are contraindicated for people with cardiovascular disease or history of stroke. A provider must review your full cardiovascular history before prescribing. This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current care.