How do you differentiate migraine from cluster headaches?

Answer 1

Migraine and cluster headache vary in several ways. However, there can often be crossover in symptoms, so appropriate diagnosis is best done by a headache specialist. Some of the most definitive differences include:

• Time: Migraine often lasts for several hours to days, cluster headache is very short lived - usually just minutes.
• Activity level: Migraine patients need to lay down and sleep. Cluster patients are extremely restless and vocal, often moving about, even banging their heads against the wall.
• Repetition: Migraine is more consistent throughout a day. Cluster headache may repeat many times in a day.
• Oxygen: Migraine will not usually change much with oxygen treatment, while treatment with oxygen can be extremely and quickly effective for cluster headache.

Answer 2

Migraine is not a headache, although headache may be one symptom. Some Migraine attacks do not cause any pain. For appropriate diagnosis and treatment advice, seek the help of a physician or headache specialist.

Answer 3

A Migraine is just one type of headache disorder. It includes sensitivity to light, sound, smells and is often accompanied by nausea.