Migraine vs Tension Headache
By the AllHealth UK editorial teamLast reviewed Next review due Compiled from published NHS and NICE guidance. Not reviewed by a clinician.
Is it a migraine or a tension headache?
A tension headache is a dull, pressing band across both sides of the head, and you can usually carry on with your day. A migraine throbs, is often on one side, and comes with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound; moving about makes it worse. Migraines last 4 to 72 hours.
Immediate action required: call 999 or go to A&E if
- A headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
- Sudden problems speaking or remembering things, or weakness or numbness down one side of the body or face
- Loss of vision, or blurred or double vision
- Feeling drowsy or confused, or a seizure
- A very high temperature with a stiff neck or bright lights bothering you
- A headache after a head injury in the last 3 months
If you are weighing up whether it is bad enough to call, that is itself a reason to call. Nobody is annoyed by a 999 call that turns out to be the less serious of the two.
| Feature | Tension Headache | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical signs |
|
|
| How long it lasts | At least 30 minutes, sometimes several days | 4–72 hours per episode |
| What helps | Paracetamol, ibuprofen, rest, stress management | Triptans, anti-sickness meds, dark quiet room |
| What to do | Self-care at home | See a GP |
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.
What to do next
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