A migraine headache is usually an intense, throbbing pain on one, or sometimes both, sides of the head.
Most people with a migraine headache feel the pain in the temples or behind one eye or ear, although any part of the head can be involved.
Besides pain, migraine also can cause a number of other symptoms; nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light and sound can all occur. Some people also may see spots or flashing lights or have a temporary loss of vision.
Migraine can occur almost any time any time of the day, though it often starts in the morning.
The pain can last a few hours or up to 72 hours. Some people get migraines once or twice a week whereas others may only suffer once or twice a year.
A tension headache is usually a mild to moderate pain, it's distracting but not debilitating. It affects both sides of the head and rarely causes sensitivity to light.