A leading neurologist has clarified a common misunderstanding about migraines, urging people to recognise that not every headache should be labelled as a migraine. Dr Jayanti Gurumukhani recently shared on Instagram that understanding how migraines differ from other headaches is crucial for getting the right diagnosis and treatment. While migraines fall under the category of headaches, they are far more complex than regular head pain.
Migraines are a chronic neurological condition known for causing intense throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. They can come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, and some people may experience a visual or sensory aura before the headache begins. Dr Shivananda Pai, a consultant neurologist at KMC Hospital in Mangalore, explained in an interview that migraines often include blurred vision, eye pain, and severe discomfort that can interrupt daily life.
Dr Gurumukhani warned that many people wrongly assume every headache is a migraine. He explained that headaches can result from a variety of causes, each needing its own treatment approach. For example, tension headaches are commonly linked to stress or neck strain, cluster headaches create intense pain around one eye, sinus headaches are connected to congestion and facial pressure, blood pressure headaches are linked to hypertension, and persistent headaches can even be a sign of something serious like a brain tumour.
He advised that getting the right diagnosis is the only way to receive effective treatment, adding, “If you keep calling every headache a migraine, you might miss the real cause. Always consult a specialist who can guide you to the best treatment.”
If you often suffer from severe or frequent migraines, don’t ignore them — talk to your doctor and follow medically approved steps at the first sign of symptoms. Remember, this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always check with your healthcare provider for any health concerns.
