Table 5 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. Aggrevation by physical activity

Frequently bilateral and pressing. Normally no aggravation by physical activity

Intensity

Tyically moderate to servere

Typically mild to moderate

Accompanying symptoms

Frequent nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia or phonophobia

None or only mild nausea, photophobia or phonophobia