How to differentiate trigeminal neuralgia from migraine

Trigeminal neuralgia and migraine can be differentiated based on the nature of the attacks and the affected areas. Migraine is a common cerebrovascular pain that primarily occurs in the temporal region and manifests as a pulsating headache. Main triggering factors include stress, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities. A simple diagnostic clue for migraine is that symptoms are relieved by compression of the superficial temporal artery. Trigeminal neuralgiain contrast, occurs suddenly without any warning signs, often triggered by activities such as brushing teeth, washing the face, or touching the face. Each episode lasts from a few seconds to one minute and then disappears. Migraine is typically a unilateral, severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and aura symptoms.