Migraine vs. Cluster Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Summary: Migraines and cluster headaches both cause terrible head pain, but they act very differently. A migraine brings throbbing pain, an upset stomach, and a dislike of bright lights, often lasting for days. On the other hand, a cluster headache strikes fast and hard. It feels like a sharp stab in the eye and makes people feel restless and pace around.

Because they are so different, they need different treatments. Migraines are often treated with pills like triptans or gepants (like Nurtec). Cluster headaches need faster relief, and breathing pure oxygen through a mask works best. Knowing exactly which headache you have is the first step to getting your life back to normal.

For more details, see Everyday Health at everydayhealth.com/news/it-migraine-cluster-headache/ (opens in new tab)