A tension headache is usually a mild to moderate pain across both sides of the head whereas a migraine is a severe throbbing pain in one side of the head. Tension headaches also do not cause a sensitivity to light whereas a migraine can.

The migraine will be less severe if you treat it as soon as you feel it coming on. Take a triptan, a painkiller and an anti sickness tablet if necessary. You should also drink plenty of fluids and lie down in a dark quiet room if this is appropriate for the types of migraines that you experience.

Yes. Females are 75% more likely to experience migraines compared to men. There is no known reason for this.

Taking painkillers and/or triptans too often can cause medicine overuse headaches, this is where you will experience headaches on most days. If you think you are experiencing this due to taking painkillers and/or triptans too often, you should speak to your GP.

The exact reason for this is not clear, however during your period, levels of the female hormones, progesterone and oestrogen decrease. This decrease is believed to trigger migraines in some people.

Not necessarily. However, it does increase your chances of suffering from migraines, but family history may not be the only cause. A number of other trigger factors may also cause your migraines.

Chocolate can cause migraines and so can cheese or alcohol. This is because they have certain ingredients that can be linked to causing migraines. Although these foods can be the cause of a migraine, it may not be the cause, a completely different factor may be triggering your migraines, therefore you should keep a migraine diary to be certain.

It varies between individuals, but usually between 4 and 72 hours.

There are three types of migraines:

• Migraine without aura - there is no warning of onset
• Migraine with aura - warning signs of visual distortions
• Migraine with aura but no headache - only other symptoms present (e.g. nausea)