Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are all too familiar, impacting 40% of the global population and afflicting individuals regardless of race, income, or location. If your headache pain is disrupting your life or cropping up with concerning frequency, schedule an appointment at United Family Physicians in Glendora, California. Skilled providers Khanh Thai, DO, and Paul Moya, DO, can help you pinpoint what type of headache pain or migraine you have and help you find the relief you deserve. Protect yourself from future pain by calling the office or scheduling online today.

What is the difference between headaches and migraines?

Headaches and migraines cause ongoing discomfort and pain in your head, but they don’t necessarily share underlying causes or symptoms. They can also differ in how strongly they impact you.

Headaches

You may feel headache pain as a pressure sensation, a dull ache, or sharp pain on both sides of your neck, head, and scalp. They’re common because everyday, hard-to-avoid sources, such as tension, fatigue, stress, or even dehydration, often cause them.

Migraines

By contrast, a migraine is a neurological condition that generally afflicts one side of your head and causes throbbing, sharp pain. You may be sensitive to light or sound, experience nausea and vomiting, or occasionally notice visual disturbances (auras). Symptoms can persist for hours or days, and make daily activities unsafe or impossible.

What are the different types of headaches and migraines?

There are several different types of headaches, including:

Sinus headaches

These cause pain in your forehead, cheeks, and nose and occur more frequently if you have sinus infections or congestion.

Tension headaches

This headache type results in a tight, high-pressure feeling due to the root cause of stress or muscle tension.

Cluster headaches

Often felt around one eye, cluster headaches cause searing pain in cyclical patterns or clusters.

Types of migraines include:

Migraine without aura

When people experience migraines, it’s usually this type, which involves excruciating head pain and other symptoms but no other sensory warnings.

Migraine with aura

Migraines with aura are similar to a regular migraine, but may include warning symptoms like zigzag lines, blind spots, or flashing lights as the pain starts to build.

Chronic migraine

If you have headaches 15 or more days per month, and at least eight of those days progress into migraines, your doctor may diagnose you with chronic migraines.

Hemiplegic migraine

This rare type of migraine causes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of your body.

An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.

How are headaches and migraines treated?

At United Family Physicians, your doctor evaluates your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and learns of any known triggers to determine the best course of action.

Your treatment may include preventive therapies, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and lifestyle recommendations. They adapt your plan as needed to ensure pain relief.

Contact United Family Physicians for a headache or migraine appointment by calling or booking online now.