Headache vs Migraine: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse common headaches with migraines. Although both cause head discomfort, they are distinct conditions that require different treatment approaches.
Tension Headache vs Migraine
Tension Headache
- • Bilateral pain (both sides)
- • Tightness or pressure sensation
- • Mild to moderate intensity
- • Does not worsen with physical activity
- • No nausea or vomiting
- • No sensitivity to light or sound
Migraine
- • Unilateral pain (one side)
- • Pulsating (throbbing) pain
- • Moderate to severe intensity
- • Worsens with physical activity
- • Nausea and/or vomiting
- • Photophobia and phonophobia
- • May have visual aura
When to See a Specialist?
See a pain specialist if you experience:
- Frequent headaches (more than 2x per week)
- Pain that doesn't respond to common painkillers
- Headache that wakes you up at night
- Pain accompanied by neurological symptoms
- Change in your usual headache pattern
Treatments Available at Intrador
For chronic migraine, we offer:
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) for chronic migraine
- Anesthetic blocks of cranial nerves
- Evidence-based medical acupuncture
- Specialized prophylactic medications
Talk with our team
Receive specialized evaluation and appropriate treatment for your headaches.
Talk with our teamClinical Review
Dr. José Luiz de Miranda Coelho Inojosa
Neurologist | CRM/PE 15953
Head of the Demyelinating Diseases Clinic (HC-UFPE)
Approaches typically considered
For this condition, our team may consider one or more of the approaches below, from least to most invasive. The actual choice depends on individual clinical evaluation.
- Acupuncture
- Neuromodulatory Techniques
- Trigger Point Injection
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Migraine
This list is informational. The effective indication depends on individual clinical evaluation, with criteria and limits discussed with you.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Pain Medicine | Acupuncture
CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Fundador da Clínica Intrador, médico especialista em Medicina da Dor e Acupuntura, com atuação em tratamentos intervencionistas e neuromodulação.
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
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