Real Simple Is It a Migraine or Just a Headache Skip to main content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Los Angeles, 23 July 2021 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Real Simple Is It a Migraine or Just a Headache The overuse of medications such as Tylenol and Excedrin can actually cause headaches, say Cedars-Sinai experts. Photo by Getty Images. Real Simple recently spoke with neurologist Vernon Williams, MD, director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Management at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, about the differences between headaches and migraines, what triggers them and how to treat them. While headaches can have many causes, including tension, too much screen time, sinus infections or illness, migraines are the result of a neurological disorder, Williams told Real Simple. "Knowing how to differentiate between the two and understanding the causes may make it easier to find relief," he said. Headaches involve pain in parts of the head or upper neck, while migraines cause throbbing or pounding that engulfs the entire head or shifts from side to side. But migraines are more complex and can also include vision problems, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal distress and sensitivity to odors, sounds or light, Williams said. Headaches and migraines can often be prevented by avoiding common triggers, such as alcohol and caffeine, certain food ingredients, inadequate sleep, poor posture, allergens, secondhand smoke and strong chemical smells, Williams said. Migraines, which affect women more often than men, also can be triggered by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills, all of which cause fluctuations in estrogen levels. "Estrogen, a female hormone, also controls chemicals in the brain that affect sensations of pain," Williams told Real Simple. As for treatment options, it's best to take a moderate approach to pain relief. The overuse of medications such as Tylenol and Excedrin can actually cause headaches. For frequent, chronic headaches, seek advice from a physician who can decide if prescription medications might help. Click here to read the complete article at Real Simple. Related Stories RSS feed - Related Stories (opens in new window) View all headlines - Related Stories HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries October 07, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles HealthDay recently interviewed Rebecca J. Schneyer, MD, a resident in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai, about a study she led that found Black and Hispanic women were less likely than white women to receive minimally … Read more KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot October 06, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles KCRW program Press Play recently featured Rita Shane, PharmD, vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Cedars-Sinai, discussing who qualifies for the updated COVID-19 booster and how long patients must wait before getting the shot.The Centers … Read more ABC 7 Spider-Man Swings by 4-Year-Old Leukemia Patient s Birthday Party at Cedars-Sinai September 30, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles ABC 7 recently profiled Cedars-Sinai patient Jabari Henley, who celebrated his fourth birthday with a special superhero at Guerin Children's newly opened inpatient facility.The Lifedriven Foundation helped throw Henley a surprise party in the Guerin … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Media Team Email: [email protected] Share this release Real Simple Is It a Migraine or Just a Headache Share on: Twitter Share on: Facebook Share on: LinkedIn Search Our Newsroom Social media Visit our Facebook page (opens in new window) Follow us on Twitter (opens in new window) Visit our Youtube profile (opens in new window) (opens in new window) Latest news 07 Oct 2022 - HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries 07 Oct 2022 - Faculty Publications: Sept. 29-Oct. 6 07 Oct 2022 - Fine-Tuning Organ-Chip Technology 06 Oct 2022 - KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot 05 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Schedules Free Flu Vaccine Clinics 04 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Showcases Hispanic and Latinx Art Newsroom Home