Everyone gets headaches.
But not all headaches are created equal — and if you’ve ever found yourself lying in the dark, holding your head, wondering if it’s “just a headache” or something more serious… you’re not alone.
Understanding the difference between a standard headache and a migraine can help you get the right care faster — and avoid unnecessary suffering.
Here’s how to tell them apart, what symptoms to watch, and when to bring in help.
What Is a Common Headache?
Most headaches are tension-based.
They’re uncomfortable, but manageable — and usually caused by:
They tend to feel like a dull, pressing pain across the forehead or around the back of the head. They’re not fun — but they often improve with water, rest, and a break from screens or noise.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is more than just a bad headache — it’s a neurological event.
Common migraine symptoms include:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blurry vision, auras)
- Fatigue before or after the episode
Migraines can last for hours or even days, and often come with clear triggers — stress, hormonal shifts, weather changes, specific foods, or even sleep disruption.
Headache vs. Migraine: What to Look For
| Feature | Common Headache | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Type | Dull, steady | Throbbing or pulsing |
| Location | Both sides of head or forehead | Often one-sided |
| Intensity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Duration | 30 minutes to a few hours | 4–72 hours |
| Nausea | Rare | Common |
| Light/Sound Sensitivity | Mild or none | Common |
| Visual Changes | None | Possible (auras) |
| Triggers | Stress, posture, dehydration | Hormones, sleep, weather, food |
If you’re seeing these patterns repeat, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with migraines — and not just “bad headaches.”
When to Get Help
Some headaches are signals, not just symptoms.
You should seek care if:
- Your headache is sudden and severe (a “thunderclap” headache)
- You’re experiencing new or unusual symptoms
- The pain is disrupting work, sleep, or basic functioning
- You’re getting headaches more frequently than usual
- Over-the-counter options aren’t working anymore
It’s also smart to get checked out if this is your first time experiencing these symptoms — especially if they’re intense or unfamiliar.
Sickday Brings Relief to You
If your head is pounding, the last thing you need is a fluorescent waiting room.
Sickday sends licensed medical professionals to your door, so you can get:
- A calm, in-home evaluation
- A detailed review of your symptoms and history
- Guidance on whether it’s a tension headache, migraine, or something else
- A care plan and, if needed, a prescription to help you recover
It’s fast, discreet, and focused on making you feel better without adding more stress.
You Don’t Have to Power Through Alone
Head pain is hard enough. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse — or hope it magically disappears.
👉 Book a Sickday visit now
We’ll help you sort out what’s really going on — and bring relief directly to you.
