Headache vs Migraine

Understanding the Difference, Types of Headaches, and When to Seek Support

When A Headache Feels Different

Many people describe themselves as “a headache person.” Most of the time, it’s manageable. But sometimes symptoms feel very different: stronger pain, nausea, or even dizziness.

That difference matters. Understanding the difference between headache and migraine can help you recognise what’s happening and seek the right support earlier.

Headache Vs Migraine: What’s The Difference?

A headache is a general term for pain in the head and can happen for many different reasons.¹

A migraine is a complex neurological condition, not just a severe headache.²

Key differences between headache and migraine

Feature	Headache	Migraine
Pain	Pressure or tightness¹	Throbbing or pulsating²
Symptoms	Usually limited to pain¹	Nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and more²
Scope	Head pain only¹	Whole‑body condition affecting multiple systems²
Impact	Often manageable¹	Can disrupt daily life significantly²

Migraine is often misunderstood as “just a headache,” when in fact it involves a wide range of symptoms affecting the whole body.²

Types Of Headaches: What You Might Be Experiencing

There are many different types of headaches and migraine presentations, reflecting how complex these conditions can be.¹

1. Tension-Type Headaches (most common)

Tension-type headache is one of the most common headache types.¹

What it feels like:

Dull, aching pain
Tightness or pressure
A “band” around the head

2. Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can significantly affect daily life.²

What it can include:

Throbbing head pain
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Nausea or vomiting
Visual disturbances or aura

Migraine episodes vary greatly between individuals and can include phases beyond just the head pain.²

3. Vestibular Migraine (often missed)

Vestibular migraine is a recognised type of migraine where dizziness and balance symptoms are prominent.²

What it can feel like:

Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Dizziness or imbalance
Motion sensitivity or nausea

Importantly, headache may be mild or even absent, which can make it harder to recognise.²

Vestibular migraine is a common cause of recurrent vertigo and can affect balance, vision, and hearing.²

4. Other headache types

Other types include:

Cluster headaches
Cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches
Migraine subtypes (with or without aura)

These reflect how many different conditions fall under the term “headache.”¹

Why This Matters

Migraine is not just a stronger headache - it is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system and can impact many areas of life.²

Recognising the difference helps you:

Understand your symptoms
Seek the right care
Avoid misdiagnosis

What To Do When Symptoms Start

For tension headaches:

Take a break
Hydrate
Rest

For migraines (including vestibular migraine):

Rest in a quiet, low‑stimulation space
Reduce light and noise exposure

Managing triggers and recognising early symptoms can help reduce the impact of an episode.²

Support Options for Westfund Members

Your GP

A GP plays an important role in:

Identifying headache type
Supporting diagnosis
Helping manage symptoms
Referring you to the right specialist e.g. neurologist.

Westfund members can access a $5 discount* on standard telehealth GP consults in the comfort of their own home via Doctors on Demand.

Because migraine presents in many different ways, accurate assessment is important.²

Multidisciplinary Support – Using Your Extras Cover*

Migraine management may involve:

Accredited Practising Dietitian support
Mental health support
Physical fitness – exercise physiologist support

Migraine Australia highlights that management includes acute treatment, prevention, and overall wellbeing strategies.²

When To Seek Urgent Care

Seek urgent help if you experience:

A sudden, severe headache
New neurological symptoms
Significant change in pattern

Unusual or severe symptoms may indicate something more serious and require immediate care.²

Persistent Postural‑Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)³

If you experience migraine symptoms that persist, change, or increasingly involve dizziness or balance problems, it’s important not to ignore them. Migraine, especially vestibular migraine, can involve repeated episodes of vertigo, motion sensitivity, and imbalance², and over time, this ongoing disruption can place the brain in a more sensitive, hyper‑responsive state.

In some people, this may contribute to the development of Persistent Postural‑Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), where feelings of unsteadiness and dizziness continue even between migraine episodes.

If your symptoms are lasting longer, becoming more constant, or affecting your day‑to‑day function, seeking early assessment from your GP is important. Early support can help identify what’s happening, guide management, and prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent or difficult to manage over time.¹

Preventing Future Headaches

Tracking your patterns can help:

Identify triggers
Recognise early warning signs
Improve long-term management

Migraine is highly individual, so understanding your own pattern is important.³

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between headache and migraine, including types like vestibular migraine, can help you make sense of your symptoms.

With the right support and awareness, you can better manage episodes and feel more in control of your health.

The information provided is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice.

References

Headache Australia. Understanding Headaches: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Locations
Migraine Australia. Migraine Australia
Vestibular Disorder Association Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness - Vestibular Disorders Association

*Annual limits, waiting periods and eligibility criteria apply. Benefits and programs are subject to your level of cover. Please refer to your Policy Summary or check your Extras limits via Members Online or the Westfund app for full details.