Table 4 Characteristics to distinguish between migraine and tension-type headache

Time pattern

Attacks lasting 4–72 h

Varies, from episodes lasting 30 min to a continuous headache

Headache characteristics

Frequently unilateral and pulsating. Aggravation by physical activity

Frequently bilateral and pressing. Normally no aggravation by physical activity

Intensity

Typically moderate to severe

Typically mild to moderate

Accompanying symptoms

Frequent nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia

None or only a mild nausea, photophobia or phonophobia