Migraine and tension-type headaches are the two most common headaches which affect more than half of the population. Understanding the differences can help you know when it’s time to see a doctor.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and, at times, disturbed vision. Sensitivity to light and sounds are also common features of migraine. Women are more likely than men to have migraine headaches. Migraine headaches can last a day or more and can strike as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years.
Tension-type Headaches
Tension headaches, or muscle contraction headaches, appear to involve the tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles. The pain is often mild and responds easily to pain killers. People don’t develop nausea or vomiting nor do they have sensitivity to light or sounds.
Miscellaneous Headaches
Headaches may be caused by a variety of other disorders, ranging from stroke to sinus infection. Like other types of pain, headaches can serve as warning signals of more serious disorders. This is particularly true for headaches caused by inflammation, including those related to meningitis, as well as those resulting from diseases of the sinuses, spine, neck, ears, and teeth.
When to see a doctor for headaches
Occasional headaches are common. But it’s important to take your headaches seriously. Some types of headaches can be life-threatening.
According to Cooper neurologist Mitra Assadi, MD, Director of the Headache Program at the Cooper Neurological Institute, you should:
Seek immediate medical care if your headache:
- Is sudden and severe.
- Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking.
- Follows a head injury.
- Gets worse despite rest and pain medication.
- Is a new type in someone over age 50.
- Wakes you from sleep.
Consult your doctor if
- You usually have two or more headaches a week.
- You take a pain reliever for your headaches more than twice a week.
- You need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain remedies to relieve your headaches.
- Your headache pattern changes.
- Your headaches are getting worse.
The Headache Program at the Cooper Neurological Institute provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment and management of headaches in adults and children. Under the direction of Dr. Assadi, who is distinguished with board certification in headache medicine, the program’s sophisticated methods are designed to treat patients with chronic and refractory headache disorders. Services provided by a team of specialists include accurate diagnosis and appropriate medications, nerve blocks, acupuncture, cervical and cranial manipulations, and biofeedback.
The Headache Program Team at the Cooper Neurological Institute includes:
- Mitra Assadi, MD, Neurologist, Director
- Jerrold A. Friedman, MD, Physiatrist
- Jeffrey Bessy, PhD, Psychologist
To learn more about Cooper’s Headache Program, call the Cooper Neurological Institute at 856.968.7965.