Migraine vs Cluster Headache - When to See a Doctor?

Every severe headache is not a migraine it could be a cluster headache. Although both conditions can cause a lot of pain they are not the thing.

Migraine and cluster headache can be different in terms of where the pain is, how long the attack lasts, how often it happens and what other symptoms you have. 

For example, migraine can cause you to feel vomit or be sensitive to light and sound while cluster headaches often cause really bad pain around one eye with watering or a blocked nose. So, it’s necessary to understand these differences so you can recognize your symptoms more clearly. 

In this blog, we will compare migraine and cluster headaches, look at what causes them and talk about when you should see a neurologist.

Migraine vs Cluster Headache: The Comparison

Migraine and cluster headache are conditions that affect your nerves and can cause head pain, but they happen in different ways. 

So, what is migraine? It is a condition that causes you to have recurring headache attacks with a throbbing pain on one side of your head.

You may also feel sick, vomit or be sensitive to light or sound. Some people see things that're not there which can cause temporary changes in what you see or feel.

A cluster headache, on the other hand, usually causes extremely bad pain around or behind one eye. When you have an attack the eye that is affected may become red or watery. Your nose may become blocked or runny. Also, these attacks often happen during certain periods. 

Hence, recognising these differences and consulting a neurologist in Patna can help you to get the better treatment. 

What Causes Migraine and Cluster Headache?

We do not know exactly what causes migraine and cluster headache. However, some things may contribute to each condition.

Migraine Causes:

• Genetic or family history.
• Hormonal changes.
• Stress or emotional changes.
• Poor or irregular sleep.
• Skipping meals or dehydration.
• Bright lights or strong smells.
• Certain foods or drinks.

Cluster Headache Causes: 

• Changes involving the hypothalamus.
• Genetic susceptibility.
• Disturbed sleep patterns.
• Alcohol during an active cluster period.
• Strong smells or environmental triggers in some people.
• Seasonal or time-related patterns.

Not all of these make a difference to everyone. But making a note of where you experience your headaches, possible causes and symptoms of this can make a neurologist look into what this is cause for the problem you are getting.

How Do You Feel During Migraine vs Cluster Headache?

Although both conditions can cause a lot of pain, the symptoms are often different. Migraines usually start slowly and can last for many hours. While cluster headache usually causes sudden extremely bad attacks. 

Migraine Symptoms:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain.
• Pain often affects one side. 
• Nausea.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Dizziness or fatigue.
• Visual or sensory changes in some people.

Cluster Headache Symptoms:

• Severe pain around or behind one eye.
• Redness or watering of the affected eye.
• Blocked or runny nose.
• Drooping or swollen eyelids.
• Facial sweating on the affected side.
• Restlessness or agitation. 

The length of time they last is also different. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days while cluster headache attacks are usually shorter but can happen many times in a day. 

Therefore, noting the pattern of your pain and symptoms can help a neurologist to serve you migraine treatment in Patna and other necessary procedures. 

How to Treat Migraine vs Cluster Headache? 

Migraine and cluster headaches do behave differently and so neurologists approach treatment in slightly different ways. So, one should receive an accurate diagnosis before taking any medication.

Migraine Treatment

If you have frequent migraines, your neurologist can prescribe you medicines which will relieve a single attack. Taking migraine prevention medications at times will help. 

Besides medicine, if you drink more water, eat a regular meal at the correct time, maintain your sleep schedule properly and avoid things which trigger the migraine, you can manage it better.

Cluster Headache Treatment 

Cluster headaches often need to be treated because attacks can become extremely bad within a short time. 

Neurologists may recommend specific treatments to stop an attack and preventive medicines to reduce further episodes during a cluster period. 

Overall, migraine and cluster headache treatment depends on one’s symptoms, how often one has attacks, history and how one responds to treatment. A neurologist can figure out the way to treat you after looking at your condition. 

When to See a Doctor?

If you get a headache now and again it may be resolved through rest or activity you would normally do. But, if you regularly get headaches which are severe, change significantly over a short period and are interrupting work sleep or other life functions you must consult a neurologist.

Consider seeing a doctor if you experience:

• Frequent or increasingly severe headaches.
• A sudden change in your usual headache pattern.
• Headaches that do not improve with usual treatment.
• Pain accompanied by vision or neurological changes.
• Repeated vomiting or significant weakness.

You should go to the hospital right away if you have a sudden extremely bad headache or a headache with confusion, trouble speaking, weakness, numbness or fever with a stiff neck. These symptoms may mean you have a condition that needs to be checked away. 

Why Choose BIG Apollo Spectra Hospital for Headache Treatment? 

For patients dealing with recurring or severe headaches, BIG Apollo Spectra Hospital, Patna, provides neurology services for headache disorders and other neurological conditions. 

At present Dr. Abhishek Kumar, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM Neurology, is listed as Consultant Neurologist. He caters to patients with conditions like migraine, headaches, stroke, epilepsy, vertigo etc. The hospital also has supportive diagnostic and specialist services that can help in identifying neurological complaints.

Individuals seeking the service of a neurologist in Patna can take the opportunity to talk about headache patterns, symptoms, medical history while getting advice on the underlying cause of it and best course of treatment.

Take Care of Your Brain

Migraine and cluster headaches often look like each other at first. Their causes, attack patterns, and treatments can be very unlike each other. If you have frequent or severe headaches, however, see your doctor instead of taking medication.

To have migraine treatment in Patna, you should contact Dr. Abhishek Kumar to know the reason of your problems and also treat appropriately by the medicine.