Is It a Migraine or a Tension Headache? Know the Signs

Headaches are incredibly common ailments, but not all are created equal. If you’ve ever had a pulsing sensation on one side of your head, felt nauseous, or found yourself hiding from lights and sounds, you may have experienced a migraine. Unlike typical tension headaches, migraines are more than just pain, they’re a combination of sensory disturbances that can impact your ability to go about daily life. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to ask your doctor.

Tension headaches feel like a constant band of pressure around the head. Things like long hours, usually trigger them at a desk, poor sleep, or emotional stress. Migraines, on the other hand, may have more complex causes, ranging from certain foods and drinks to hormonal shifts and even environmental changes. Pinpointing those triggers is a key step in managing the condition.

You can often tell the difference between these two types of headaches by how they affect your routine. A tension headache might make things uncomfortable, but a migraine can stop you in your tracks. Many people experience visual changes, fatigue, or brain fog before a migraine even begins. It’s a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a qualified headache specialist.

Some headaches may not be isolated issues at all, they might be connected to underlying nerve conditions. Tingling in the arms or face, chronic neck pain, or episodes of dizziness may suggest a neurological concern beyond basic headache types. In these cases, you may benefit from seeing a neuropathy specialist who can help uncover any contributing nerve dysfunction.

Don’t let recurring headaches take control of your life. Schedule a consultation today with a neurologist in Florida at Boca Raton Neurologic Associates and get clarity on what your symptoms mean and how to treat them with care that works for you.