What's the difference between a tension headache and a migraine?

Headaches can be a real pain – they can sometimes stop us in our tracks. They are also very common – headaches affect most of us at some time in our lives.

Tension headaches and migraines are two of the most common types of headaches.

While they differ in certain causes and symptoms, there is often significant overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Here, we explore both conditions and the treatment options available to address them.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are often described as a dull, aching pain that can feel like there is something pressing on your head or as if a band were being tightened around it.

These headaches are usually mild to moderate in intensity, and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. However, they can last much longer, sometimes for several days.

Tension headache symptoms

Commons symptoms for tensions headaches include:

Steady, non-throbbing pain in the head, face or neck
Pressure or tightening sensation on both sides of head
Tenderness when the area is touched

Tension headache causes

Common triggers for tension headaches include:

Stress
Muscle tension particularly in the neck and shoulders
Fatigue and sleep issues
Eye strain
Caffeine

According to the NHS:

“Taking painkillers for headaches too often or for a long time can also cause headaches. These are known as overuse or rebound headaches.”

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and there are usually no warning signs or nausea that accompany them.

Migraines

Migraines are a common neurological condition that can be much more intense and debilitating than tension headaches. They can both disrupt daily life and affect your quality of life.

Migraines are characterised by recurrent episodes of intense, throbbing headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

According to The Migraine Trust, over a billion people worldwide suffer with migraines, including over 10 million people in the UK.

Types of migraine

Migraine without aura

This is the most common type of migraine.

The ‘aura’ is a warning sign of a migraine, which commonly affects your sight and can include blind spots and flashing lights. A migraine without aura means you won’t get a warning that a migraine attack is about to start.

Migraine with aura

Auras usually happen before a migraine attack. Auras can happen on their own, or along with the symptoms of a migraine without aura.

Auras usually develop over about five minutes and last for up to an hour. They most commonly affect your sight and include effects such as blind spots, flashing lights or zig zag patterns. They can also include symptoms such as dizziness and muscle weakness.

Migraine symptoms

Common migraine symptoms include:

A headache that is usually on one side of your head, often with throbbing pain

Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound or smells

Migraine causes

Common triggers for migraines include:

Stress
Low blood sugar
Alcohol
Hormonal changes (such as during periods or menopause)
Lack of sleep

According to The Migraine Trust:

“Keeping a migraine diary is useful and can help to identify the type of headache you’re having. Getting the right diagnosis is important so you can manage your headaches and find the most suitable treatments.”

Treatment for tension headaches and migraines

There are different treatments that can be recommended to manage tension headaches and migraines.

Tension headaches can often be relieved with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Whereas migraines may require stronger medication such as triptans or anti-nausea medications. Lifestyle changes and stress management can also be helpful for both conditions.

Botox is a recognised medical treatment that is highly effective for both tension headaches and migraines. Our expert practitioner will assess your specific condition to ascertain whether this is a suitable treatment for you.

Botox for tension headaches and migraines

Botox relaxes muscles and reduces muscle contractions, which can alleviate tension.

Botox can help to effectively manage tension headaches and migraines.

Where is botox administered?

A small amount of botox is carefully targeted into specific sites. These can include the areas above the bridge of the nose, forehead, temples, back of the head, top of the neck and the trapezius muscles that run from the neck across the shoulders.

A white head with green points

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Botox helps to reduce the frequency and severity of both tension headaches and migraines.

Find out more about botox for tension headaches and migraines at Hannah London

Talk to us about treatment for tension headaches and migraines

To book your appointment please book online, call us on 020 8202 6187 or email info@hannahlondon.com.

What’s the difference between a tension headache and a migraine?