The Difference Between Sinus “Headache” and Migraine

Because they mistakenly believe their Migraines are sinus headaches, some sufferers may be taking too many over-the-counter sinus medications inappropriately.
By: Pugliese Public Relations
 
Sept. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- BOYNTON BEACH, Florida—There is no such thing as a sinus headache. The fact is, a sinus headache is caused by something associated with your sinuses. What generally happens is that your sinuses become inflamed as the result of an infection or an allergy. This inflammation stops the outflow of mucus, which, in turn, causes a pain similar to a headache.

According to Dr. David Brodner, a Board Certified Ear, Nose and Throat physician in Boynton Beach, Florida, “Many people with migraines go for years without being properly diagnosed because they continue their erroneous assumption that what they are experiencing is merely a common sinus headache.”

One study found that 97% of people who described their headaches as sinus headaches were actually experiencing symptoms associated with migraines. The problem is that the symptoms of migraine headaches and sinus headaches often overlap, leading to confusion that can be very serious if your migraine goes undiagnosed. One reason behind this confusion may lie in the fact that the same nerves that carry migraine pain also travel to the sinuses. Pain in the sinuses, face or around the eyes can be felt during a migraine on one or both sides of the head. In addition, the nerves that cause stuffy or runny nose and watery eyes can be also be activated during a migraine.

So what’s the problem with misdiagnosing a migraine headache as a sinus headache? Dr. Brodner explains, “For one thing, all that money you’re spending on medicine that is not actually designed to treat sinus headaches will do you no good whatever if you are suffering migraines. In addition, if you erroneously think that you are experiencing sinus headaches you may be unduly extending the life of your migraines by continuing to eat food triggers, or continuing to experience environmental triggers that you could and should otherwise avoid.”

To get a definitive diagnosis of the type of headache that’s affecting you, Dr. Brodner suggests that you provide your physician with specific information using a headache diary. This will let your doctor know when (time of day, season, during menstrual cycle) and how often your headaches occur, what makes them worse, what makes them better, what seems to trigger them and how long they tend to last. Explain any other symptoms that accompany your headaches such as sensitivity to light, nausea or seeing bright colors right before the head pain sets in.
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Source:Pugliese Public Relations
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Industry:Health, Medical, Science
Location:Boynton Beach - Florida - United States
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