Signs and frequency of migraine, tension headache

Migraine is a permanent, significantly reducing the ability to work a headache, whereas tension headache is characterized by low intensity and usually does not limit daily activity. When examining adult patients suffering from headache, it was found that the frequency of tension headache is almost 4 times higher than the frequency of migraine.

Although the prevalence of tension headaches is higher, patients with migraines often seek medical help, so most patients admitted to SNPs with frequent episodes of chronic headaches are more likely to suffer from migraines.

An international study of patients with headaches in primary care identified 94% of them with migraine, and the proportion of patients with tension headache was only 3%.

Migraine:

1. Periodic headache moderate to high intensity
2. The average duration of the attack 8-24 h
3. Headache, drastically reducing the ability to work and limiting daily activity.
4. Most pain is pulsating
5. Often pain affects only one half of the head.
6. Pain accompanied by increased sensitivity to light, sound and nausea.
7.Patient requires maximum rest.
8. A hereditary predisposition is characteristic.
9. Often increases during menstruation.
10. Impairment of vision or hallucinations (aura) precede headache or accompany it in 25% of patients.

Tension headache:

1. Constant or intermittent headache of low or medium intensity
2. May last from several hours to several days.
3. Does not affect daily activity
4. Often described as pain constricting the hoop of the forehead.
5. Not accompanied by increased sensitivity to light, sound and nausea.