MedDroidMigraine vs Tension Headache
Migraine vs tension headache: differences in symptoms, tests and treatment
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedMigraine is usually a throbbing headache, often on one side, that can come with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound and gets worse with activity. A tension headache is usually a dull, pressing band around both sides of the head without nausea, and you can usually carry on with daily activities. Both are common and diagnosed mainly from your description; scans are needed only if warning signs are present.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Migraine | Tension headache |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | A brain and nerve condition, often running in families; triggers include missed meals, poor sleep, stress, hormones, bright light | Linked to stress, poor posture, tight neck and scalp muscles, eye strain, poor sleep |
| Typical symptoms | Throbbing or pulsing pain, often one-sided, moderate to severe; nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity; some get visual aura | Dull, pressing or tight band-like pain on both sides; mild to moderate; no vomiting |
| Onset & timing | Attacks last about 4 to 72 hours; may start with aura | Can last 30 minutes to several days |
| Key tests | Usually none; diagnosis from history and examination. Scan only if warning signs | Usually none; eye check if eye strain is suspected |
| Treatment approach | Early pain relief as advised, rest in a dark quiet room, trigger diary; preventive medicines for frequent attacks | Posture correction, regular breaks, sleep, exercise, stress management; occasional pain relief |
| Danger signs | A new pattern, weakness, speech trouble or aura lasting over an hour needs review | Headache that keeps getting worse, or wakes you from sleep |
General patterns only. Symptoms overlap and vary from person to person. On a phone, scroll the table sideways to see both columns.
How doctors tell them apart
- Character: throbbing points to migraine; pressing or band-like points to tension headache.
- Nausea and light sensitivity are typical of migraine.
- Migraine worsens with movement; tension headache usually does not.
- A headache diary helps doctors identify the type and triggers.
- Using painkillers on many days a month can itself cause daily headaches (medication-overuse headache).
See a doctor urgently if
- Sudden, severe "worst-ever" headache reaching full strength within seconds to a minute
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or confusion
- Headache with weakness, numbness, facial drooping or trouble speaking
- Headache after a head injury
- A new headache after age 50, or one that keeps getting worse
In an emergency, call your local emergency number (in India: 108 or 112).
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both migraine and tension headaches?
Yes. Many people have both types at different times.
Do I need a CT or MRI for headaches?
Usually not. Scans are needed when there are warning signs or the pattern is unusual, as decided by a doctor.
Can food trigger migraine?
Some people notice triggers such as missed meals, dehydration, caffeine changes or certain foods. A diary helps find your own triggers.
Is migraine curable?
There is no permanent cure, but treatment and avoiding triggers can greatly reduce how often and how badly attacks happen.
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Not a diagnosis. This page gives general health information to help you talk to a doctor; it is not medical advice and does not replace an examination or tests. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without a qualified clinician. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. In an emergency, call your local emergency number (in India: 108 or 112).