Living with any type of pain can be detrimental to your health and headaches are known to be one of the most painful occurrences to have to deal with. Migraines, the more severe counterpart of a regular headache, can be excruciating without the appropriate treatment. If you find that you are interested in determining the differences between a migraine and a sinus headache, this comprehensive guide will compare the two health ailments.
What are Migraines?
A migraine is essentially an extremely severe and recurrent headache. With over 36 million Americans suffering from migraines, it is one of the most common health ailments across the nation. Migraines make the blood vessels in the brain expand, thus creating a feeling of forceful pressure in the cranium. The headaches associated with a migraine are simply a symptom, in comparison to traditional headaches that occur due to the narrowing of the brain’s blood vessels. Sensitivity the light, smell, and sound are common symptoms of migraine headaches.
What Causes Migraines?
The majority of scientific research has determined that there is a genetic correlation in regards to migraines. If parents experience this painful event, their children are 50% more likely to have migraines as well. There are many different triggers that can bring on a migraine including, alcohol, bright lights, or changes in weather.
What are Sinus Headaches?
Much like migraines, sinus headaches create a throbbing pain in your head. Unlike migraines, sinus headaches are generally localized and you will experience an ample amount of pressure in only one area of your head when you stand up or if you happen to bend over. The main difference between a sinus headache and a migraine is that there are other physical symptoms such as a runny nose and nasal congestion that accompany a sinus headache. The majority of individuals who experience these headaches are generally fighting off an illness.
What Causes Sinus Headaches?
Sinus headaches are mostly caused because of inflammation and congestion of your nasal cavity. If you experience allergies, you are more likely to experience sinus headaches due to the inflammation preventing you from draining your mucus. As previously mentioned, sinus headaches are also commonly caused due to an illness such as a flu, cold, or common allergies. In comparison to migraines, sinus headaches are generally accompanied by symptoms of illnesses, rather than specific triggers.
