Headache vs migraine: what's 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

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.

Is a migraine just a severe headache?

No. While head pain is a common symptom of migraine, migraine is a neurological condition that can affect the brain and nervous system. In addition to pain, migraines may cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, and visual disturbances known as aura. This is why migraine is considered more than just a severe headache.

How do I know if I have a migraine or a headache?

Headaches typically cause pain or pressure in the head and are often the only symptom. Migraines are more likely to involve throbbing or pulsating pain and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, dizziness, or visual changes. If your symptoms significantly affect your daily activities or include symptoms beyond head pain, migraine may be a possibility and it's worth speaking with your GP.

Can migraines cause dizziness?

Yes. Some people experience a type of migraine called vestibular migraine, where dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, motion sensitivity and nausea are prominent symptoms. In some cases, dizziness may occur even when headache pain is mild or absent, making vestibular migraine harder to recognise.

When should I see a doctor for headaches?

You should speak with a GP if your headaches are becoming more frequent, more severe, changing in pattern, or interfering with your daily life. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache, new neurological symptoms, or a significant change in your usual headache symptoms. Early assessment can help identify the cause and ensure you receive appropriate treatment and support.

What are the warning signs of a migraine?

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person, but common warning signs can include throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots. Some people notice early symptoms before a migraine develops, which is why tracking patterns and triggers can be helpful for managing future episodes

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

References

1. Headache Australia. Understanding Headaches: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Locations

2. Migraine Australia. Migraine Australia

3. 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.