Chronic migraine and episodic migraine, what's the difference?

Maybe you are one of the people who often experiences headaches or migraines. However, did you know that not all migraines are the same? Yes, there are two types of migraines namely episodic migraine with chronic migraine. So, what types of migraines are you experiencing?

Recognize the difference between chronic migraine and episodic migraine

Chronic migraine and episodic migraine will cause the same side headache symptoms. But what distinguishes is how often these symptoms appear.

In episodic migraine, headache symptoms will appear less than 15 times a month to three months. This type of migraine is the most experienced.

Meanwhile, people with chronic migraines will experience headaches more than 15 times a month. Usually, people with episodic migraines have the opportunity to experience chronic migraines over a period of months or even years.

It is suspected that migraines are caused by inflammation that causes blood vessels in the brain to swell and eventually attack the surrounding nerves. But this is not the main cause, many migraine attacks are associated with hereditary.

What types of migraines have I had?

Characteristics of episodic migraines

Try to remember again how and how often you experience migraines. If you have five migraine attacks within 24 hours and they occur less than 15 times a month, then you may be experiencing episodic migraines.

Episodic migraine attacks are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to noise or light during the migraine. Usually, several things that trigger episodic migraines, namely stress, menstruation, changes in weather, symptoms of eye or brain disorders, or due to side effects of drug consumption.

Characteristics of chronic migraines

The most representative sign of chronic migraine incidence is a migraine attack that lasts more than 4 hours at a time and lasts more than 15 days a month. Usually, this type of migraine will cause symptoms that last longer and are more frequent than episodic migraines.

A research on Current Pain and Headache Reports, found that individuals suffering from chronic migraine experienced headaches that lasted a mean of 65.1 hours without treatment, and 24.1 hours with treatment.

When compared with individuals who experienced episodic migraines, they were able to survive an average of 38.8 hours without treatment and 12.8 hours with treatment, quoted from Healthline.

How are these two types of migraines treated?

Both types of migraine can be treated with almost the same types of drugs, usually doctors will recommend drugs that are often used to relieve headaches.

Doctors usually will also suggest drugs to treat other symptoms that arise, such as nausea and vomiting. Preventive drugs are also often used to prevent chronic migraine symptoms.

Types of drugs such as antidepressants, antiseizures, onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), and pain relievers, which can help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of your headaches.

How to prevent chronic migraine

If you have suffered from migraines before, the following can prevent the possibility of chronic migraines:

• Fatigue can trigger migraines, so try to get enough sleep for about seven to eight hours each night.
• Pay attention to the types of food you eat. The reason is, several types of food can cause headaches, such as too much caffeine and packaged foods and drinks.
• Excessive anxiety and worry can be the main trigger. For that, it's best to manage your stress properly.
• Regular exercise will help you achieve a healthy weight. Because, obesity can increase your risk of chronic migraines.
• Pay attention to your medication consumption because taking too much of certain types of drugs can cause excessive headache problems. We recommend that you comply with the rules for taking medication and the types of drugs recommended by the doctor.