Migraine vs Headache: Key Differences & When to Get Specialist Care

Understanding Symptoms with Fargo’s Headache Specialists

Many people use the terms “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably — but they’re not the same. A headache is typically a symptom, while a migraine is a neurological condition that can bring severe, complex symptoms far beyond head pain. Understanding the difference is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

Migraine Awareness Week (September 22–28, 2025), established by The Migraine Trust (UK), helps raise global awareness about this often misunderstood condition. But awareness shouldn’t be limited to one week — knowing when you’re experiencing a migraine versus a headache is critical year-round for proper care and lasting relief.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What’s the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
• Common Symptoms of Headaches vs Migraines
• CHART: Symptom Comparison
• Types of Headaches and Migraines You Should Know About
• When to See a Headache or Migraine Specialist
• How Headaches and Migraines Are Treated
• Take Control of Your Headache or Migraine

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What’s the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?

Headaches and migraines both cause head pain, but the underlying mechanisms — and the treatment approaches — are very different. Headaches are a symptom that can arise from many factors, while migraines are a complex neurological disorder with a distinct set of symptoms. Recognizing this difference helps patients and providers choose the right care, rather than relying on trial-and-error remedies.

Headaches: A Common Symptom

Headaches are pain or pressure in the head, scalp, or neck. They’re often triggered by stress, dehydration, posture, or illness. Unlike migraines, headaches are usually less complex and shorter in duration. Headaches often:

• • Cause dull, steady pressure or tightness rather than throbbing pain.
  • Range from mild to moderate intensity, making them less disabling than migraines.
  • Last from 30 minutes to a few hours, though some can linger longer.
  • Improve with simple remedies like hydration, rest, or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Learn more about the headache conditions we treat at Transcend Headache Clinic.

Migraines: A Neurological Disorder

Migraines, on the other hand, are not “just a bad headache.” They are a chronic neurological condition involving abnormal brain activity that affects blood vessels and nerve pathways. Migraines often:

• • Cause throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, but can be bilateral.
  • Last 4–72 hours without treatment.
  • Come with additional symptoms: nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, or aura (temporary vision or sensory changes).
  • Affect more than 1 billion people worldwide and are one of the leading causes of disability, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

Why the Distinction Matters

While over-the-counter medications may relieve tension headaches, they rarely help with migraines. Patients with migraines often need specialized care — from neurology-trained providers to evidence-based treatments like medications, neuromodulation devices, or lifestyle management strategies.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our headache specialists carefully evaluate whether a patient’s pain is caused by a primary headache disorder (like migraine) or a secondary factor (such as sinus or vision problems). This ensures patients get the right diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

Common Symptoms of Headaches vs Migraines

One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How do I know if I have a migraine or just a headache?” While both involve head pain, the symptoms — and what they reveal about the underlying condition — can look very different.

Symptoms of Headaches

Headaches are usually less complex than migraines and often tied to external triggers such as stress, posture, or dehydration. Common features include:

• • Dull, pressing pain — often feels like a tight band around the forehead or back of the head.
  • Mild to moderate intensity — discomfort may interfere with daily tasks but is usually manageable.
  • Shorter duration — from 30 minutes to several hours.
  • Triggered by lifestyle factors — poor posture, skipped meals, lack of sleep, or stress are frequent culprits.

Explore tension headaches and other conditions we treat at Transcend Headache Clinic.

Symptoms of Migraines

Migraines are more severe and involve neurological changes that go far beyond pain alone. Symptoms often include:

• • Throbbing or pulsating pain — usually on one side of the head, though it can affect both.
  • Moderate to severe intensity — pain can be disabling and interfere with work, school, or daily life.
  • Longer duration — untreated migraines can last 4–72 hours.
  • Nausea and vomiting — common during attacks.
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell — patients often need to rest in a dark, quiet room.
  • Aura symptoms — temporary neurological changes like flashing lights, blind spots, dizziness, tingling, or speech difficulties.

For some patients, migraines start in childhood or adolescence and may evolve over time. According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines are the second leading cause of disability worldwide among neurological disorders.

 

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Quick Comparison: Headache vs. Migraine Symptoms

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Types of Headaches and Migraines You Should Know About

Understanding the types of headaches and migraines can help you recognize patterns in your own symptoms and know when it’s time to seek specialized care. While every patient’s experience is unique, most headache disorders fall into these categories:

Common Headache Types

• • Tension headaches — dull, pressure-like pain across the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
  • Cluster headaches — rare but extremely severe headaches, often centered around one eye.
  • Sinus headaches — facial pressure and pain caused by sinus inflammation or infection (sometimes mistaken for migraines).
  • Post-concussion headaches — lingering pain and pressure following a head injury, often paired with dizziness, light sensitivity, or difficulty concentrating.

Common Migraine Types

• • Migraine without aura — the most common form, causing throbbing pain, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity.
  • Migraine with aura — includes visual or sensory disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots, tingling) before or during the headache.
  • Chronic migraine — defined as 15 or more headache days per month, at least 8 of which have migraine features.
  • Vestibular migraine — associated with vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.

Want to dive deeper? Browse the full list of conditions we treat at Transcend Headache Clinic.

EXPLORE CONDITIONS WE TREAT

When to See a Headache or Migraine Specialist

Signs It’s Time for Specialized Care

While occasional headaches may not be cause for concern, persistent, severe, or unusual head pain should never be ignored. Some headaches point to urgent medical conditions, while others signal it’s time to seek out a headache and migraine specialist for proper diagnosis and care. Knowing when to get help can prevent complications and put you on the path to lasting relief.

Red Flags: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Some headaches point to urgent medical conditions. Healthcare providers often use the SNOOP mnemonic to spot red flags:

• S – Systemic symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, weight loss, or other whole-body changes.
• N – Neurological signs: Any signs that affect the nervous system, such as changes in cognition, mental functioning, personality, or stroke-like symptoms (e.g. vision changes, weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking).
• O – Onset: Sudden, abrupt and severe pain — sometimes described as “the worst headache of your life” — especially if it occurs without warning and/or reaches maximal intensity instantly after onset.
• O – Older age at onset: If a person is over 50 years old and experiences a new headache, it may indicate a more serious condition.
• P – Prior medical history or pattern change: A history of headaches that suddenly changes in severity, frequency, or character — or headache following an injury such as a fall or concussion.

If you experience any of these, call 911, or seek emergency care immediately.

When Specialist Care Makes a Difference

You don’t have to live with constant head pain. Consider visiting a headache or migraine specialist if:

• Headaches occur frequently or chronically, disrupting work, school, or daily life.
• Symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes.
• You’ve spent months (or years) searching for answers with no relief.
• You’ve felt dismissed or misunderstood by providers who don’t specialize in headache and migraine care.

Why Choose Transcend Headache Clinic

At Transcend, our West Fargo headache specialists provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient. As the first independent headache clinic in North Dakota, we focus exclusively on headache and migraine care — so you’re heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.

Contact us today, or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward lasting relief.

How Headaches and Migraines Are Treated

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for head pain. Headache and migraine treatment depends on the type of headache, underlying triggers, and each patient’s overall health. 

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists design personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Improving sleep habits, stress management, diet adjustments, and hydration strategies.
• Medications: At-home treatments prescribed to patients, including both acute options (such as triptans or gepants) and preventive options (like beta-blockers or CGRP inhibitors).
• Supplements: Evidence-based options such as magnesium, riboflavin, or CoQ10 to support neurological health.
• Procedures, Injections & Infusions: In-office treatments provided by our specialists when lifestyle changes or at-home medications aren’t enough. These include:
  • Procedures: Nerve blocks and trigger point injections to address nerve-related or muscle-based headache triggers.
  • Injections: Botox® for chronic migraine prevention, abortive injections for acute attacks, and B12 injections for neurological support.
  • Infusions: Vitamin IV therapies — such as Myers’ Cocktail and Glutathione — plus acute migraine infusions to help avoid unnecessary ER visits.
• Neuromodulation Devices: Non-invasive devices that stimulate nerves to reduce migraine frequency and severity.
• Other Therapies: Physical therapy, vision therapy, or referrals to collaborating care when needed.

Because every patient is different, treatment may involve combining several strategies to reduce frequency, lessen intensity, and restore quality of life.

Learn more about our services and treatment options at Transcend Headache Clinic.

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Take Control of Your Headache or Migraine Care

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

It’s not your job to know whether you’re dealing with tension headaches, migraines, or something more complex — that’s where specialists come in. At Transcend Headache Clinic, our neurology-trained providers in West Fargo take the time to listen, evaluate, and create a care plan tailored to you.

Don’t keep pushing through the pain or guessing at treatments. Relief is possible — and the right diagnosis is the first step.

Call us at 701.809.7650, or book an appointment online to start your journey toward better headache and migraine care.