We’ve all had headaches now and again—but what if your headache feels different? Stronger, longer-lasting, and often with other strange symptoms like flashing lights or nausea? If that sounds familiar, it could be a migraine.

At Ready Health Private Medical Clinic in Standish, we help many patients figure out what's behind their head pain. Understanding the difference between a regular headache and a migraine can make a huge difference in finding the right treatment.

What Makes a Migraine Different?

A migraine isn’t just a bad headache—it’s a neurological condition. Migraines often come with a mix of symptoms that go beyond head pain. They can really affect your daily life.

Common Migraine Symptoms

Not everyone experiences migraines the same way, but here are some signs to watch for:

Throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights (aura)
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating

These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Some people also feel very tired or "foggy" even after the pain goes away.

What Triggers Migraines?

Migraine triggers can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

Stress or anxiety
Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
Hormonal changes (especially in women)
Certain foods like chocolate, cheese, or red wine
Bright lights or strong smells

Keeping a headache diary can help you spot patterns and identify your personal triggers.

How to Get Relief from Migraines

If you’re dealing with migraines, you don’t have to just suffer through them. There are several effective migraine treatments available:

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

For mild migraines, medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol may help—if taken early enough.

2. Prescription Treatments

Stronger medicines, including triptans, are often prescribed for more severe migraines. These target the migraine process itself and can stop the attack.

3. Preventative Treatments

If migraines happen often, your GP might recommend daily medication to reduce how often they occur. This could include beta-blockers, anti-seizure drugs, or even certain antidepressants.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular sleep, stress management, hydration, and a balanced diet can all help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

When to See a GP

If your headaches are getting worse, happening more often, or affecting your day-to-day life, it’s time to get checked out. At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we’ll take the time to understand your symptoms and help you find the right treatment—so you can feel like yourself again.

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Don’t Let Migraines Control Your Life

Migraines can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to take over. Whether you’re dealing with occasional migraines or frequent attacks, our team at Ready Health is here to help.

Meta Title: Migraine vs Headache: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment | Ready Health Standish

Meta Description: Could your headache be a migraine? Discover key migraine symptoms, triggers, and how to get relief with expert care at Ready Health Private Medical Clinic in Standish.