Not every headache is a migraine — the pain pattern and accompanying symptoms are quite different between the two.
| Feature | Tension Headache | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Pain location | Both sides, band-like pressure | Usually one-sided |
| Pain quality | Dull, constant pressure | Throbbing/pulsing |
| Nausea | Rare | Common |
| Light/sound sensitivity | Rare | Common |
| Impact on activity | Usually manageable | Often disabling |
The most common type of headache — a dull, band-like pressure around the head, often linked to stress, poor posture, or eye strain, that usually responds well to rest and simple pain relief.
A neurological condition with more intense, often one-sided throbbing pain, frequently accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience a visual "aura" before the pain starts.
A headache described as "the worst of your life," sudden and severe, or accompanied by confusion, vision loss, or weakness on one side needs emergency evaluation — these aren't typical of either condition.
This comparison is for general awareness only and cannot replace a medical diagnosis. Many conditions share overlapping symptoms — a doctor can examine and test to tell them apart accurately.