Migraines vs. Headaches: When It\'s More Than Just a Headache

Headaches are extremely common, but migraines are a specific neurological condition that goes beyond ordinary head pain. Approximately 12% of Canadians experience migraines. Regular tension headaches typically cause a dull, squeezing pressure on both sides of the head and are not usually severe enough to prevent activities. Migraines are different. They typically involve moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell, nausea and/or vomiting, duration of 4 to 72 hours if untreated, and sometimes an aura (visual disturbances, tingling) before the headache. When to see a doctor about headaches: if you experience headaches more than 15 days per month, increasing severity or frequency, headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter medication, new headache type (especially if over 50), headache after a head injury, or headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes (seek emergency care). Treatment for migraines may include abortive medications (triptans), preventive medications (beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications), lifestyle modifications (trigger identification, regular sleep, stress management), and newer treatments such as CGRP inhibitors. A physician can help differentiate between headache types and create a treatment plan. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.