Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

5. Are there non-medication treatments for tension headache?

4. How do you treat tension headache?

3. Why is it important to get the right diagnosis?

2. Can someone have migraine and tension headache?

1. How is a tension headache different from a migraine attack?

2. Can someone have migraine and tension headache?

3. Why is it important to get the right diagnosis?

4. How do you treat tension headache?

5. Are there non-medication treatments for tension headache?

Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

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Tension headache is moderate and band-like in quality. A migraine attack has more severe pain and is worse with activity, making it difficult for people to function normally. Tension headaches are not associated with nausea, light, or sound sensitivity whereas migraine attacks are.

1. How is a tension headache different from a migraine attack?

2. What are common symptoms of the aura phase, and how long does it last?

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Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

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Yes. The formal definition does not matter as much as whether or not you are receiving effective and appropriate treatment. It is important if you have migraine that you are treated with appropriate medications.

2. Can someone have migraine and tension headache?

Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

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Many people who have migraine are first misdiagnosed with tension headache. When this happens you do not get the appropriate treatment that can help you have a more functional and effective life.

3. Why is it important to get the right diagnosis?

1. What are common symptoms of the prodrome phase, and how long does it last?

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Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

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The first medication typically used is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen or naproxen. It should be a short trial to see if it works. Combination medications, like those with caffeine such as Excedrin, should not be used as a regular treatment for migraine or tension-type headache, because there is the risk of developing medication overuse headache.

4. What does the prodrome phase, or “migraine hangover,” feel like?

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4. How do you treat tension headache?

Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine

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Lifestyle choices of regular exercise, sleep, and caffeine consumption may help. Mindfulness meditation, relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and biofeedback have also been shown to be helpful. Physical therapy and trigger point injections may be effective as well.

5. Are there non-medication treatments for tension headache?

3. What does the headache phase of a migraine attack feel like, and how long does it last?

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Common Questions About Tension Headache vs Migraine