Cluster or Migraine: Watery Red Eyes And Migraine Headache Difference

There are many symptoms experienced by an individual who is suffering a migraine headache. Some of those symptoms can include a severe headache, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting and double vision. However, the symptom of watery red eyes and migraine headaches are not often associated with a migraine.

On the other hand a headache with the symptom of watery red eyes and migraine headache sufferer not having this symptom is a cluster headache. Although, it would seem that a severe headache is a severe headache, it is important to tell the difference between a migraine headache and a cluster headache. This is because, unlike a migraine headache, a cluster headache comes in clusters. This means that once a cluster headache has been experienced another one will follow almost daily over a period of eight to ten weeks.

Therefore there are many differences between cluster headaches and migraine headaches. Probably the best way to differentiate between cluster headaches and migraine headaches is that cluster headaches cause watery red eyes and migraine headaches cause double vision. This simple fact of difference between the two headaches is based upon the difference of where the epicenter of the pain originates.

The Difference Between Cluster Headaches And Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are severe headaches generally experienced by women. This type of headache can be brought on by a number of triggers. Some of those triggers could include stress, the eating of certain foods or disruption in one's normal routine. One such disruption could be the loss of sleep or excessive sleeping.

On the other hand cluster headaches are generally experienced by men. In addition, migraine headaches are generally felt somewhere within the head and cluster headaches begin behind one or both of the eyes. This location for the onset of a cluster headache is what often causes watery red eyes and migraine headaches start in the head and spread outwardly from there. Another difference between the two types of headaches is that there is nasal congestion associated with the cluster headaches and watery red eyes and migraine headaches have no nasal congestion.

Also, cluster headaches often have their onset when the sufferer wakes up from sleeping. That is why many individuals who suffer from this debilitating headache try to avoid sleeping. However, this tactic simply increases the severity of the pain.

In addition migraine headaches are usually hereditary in nature and can be linked to another abnormality within the human body. On the other hand cluster headaches do not appear to be influenced by any diseases or illnesses in the body. In addition, there doesn’t appear to be any correlation with hereditary in regards to experiencing cluster headaches.

Onset Differences Between Cluster Headaches and Migraine Headaches

Unlike a migraine headache which gives advance warning to the sufferer, the onset of a cluster headache comes without notice. Generally, the cluster headache starts suddenly and the pain quickly intensifies.

Treatment Differences Between Cluster Headaches And Migraine Headaches

Both types of headaches can be severe enough that they warrant strong pain medication to help control the pain. However, with cluster headaches the pain is so severe and can continue over a longer period a quicker method of accessing pain relief is recommended.

Therefore, doctors will often prescribe the medication that can be used through an inhaler device or pain medication that can be injected using a needle and syringe. Also, it has been found that the use of an oxygen tent can help to reduce the pain.