Migraine is a severe form of headache. It is characterized by attacks of intense, often nauseating and throbbing headache. This can last from several hours to several days. There are various forms of migraine, of which classic migraine and common migraine are the most frequent.
On this page we will explain:
- What the differences are between these two forms
- That combinations of headaches can occur
- Whether a better sleeping position can be beneficial
Classic migraine
Characteristic of this form of migraine is that the headache is preceded by an ‘aura’. People then see a spot in one or both eyes. Even when the eyes are closed. Such a spot starts small, slowly grows larger, and then slowly disappears.
The headache that begins after such an aura gradually worsens and is usually located on one side, sometimes on both sides.
Classic migraine is a brain disorder. Brain activity is locally increased and changes occur in the blood vessels of the head. These vessels widen and then narrow again. However, the cause is unknown.
An aura occurs in about 1/3 of migraine patients.
Classic migraine and sleeping position
There is no evidence that irritation in the neck plays a role in classic migraine, nor that a better sleeping position can reduce the symptoms.
Common migraine
Common migraine is not preceded by an aura. Otherwise, the picture closely resembles that of classic migraine, and here too the cause is unknown. Because of the auras, classic migraine is easy to distinguish from tension headaches and headaches originating from the neck (cervicogenic headaches). This is not always the case for common migraine, as there is symptom overlap among the different types.
Tension headache
The most common form of headache is tension headache. This is not a form of migraine. But it can be, like migraine, severe and nauseating. This means that a period of severe tension headache can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a mild migraine attack in practice.
Common migraine and sleeping position
As with classic migraine, there is no evidence that common migraine originates from the neck, nor that improving sleeping position is beneficial.
But is it really common migraine? Or is it (after all) another form of headache? That is not always clear. If the cause is indeed in the neck, then improving sleeping position can actually be very useful.
Combinations of headaches
Even if brain research has established that someone suffers from migraine, they – like anyone else – can also suffer from tension headache. And in those cases, improving sleeping position can still be useful.
In addition, improving sleeping position has the effect of improving sleep quality. And that is good for everyone, especially for people with migraine. Both for those who suffer from classic migraine and common migraine.