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Sinus Migraine Cure

Sinus headaches and migraine headaches are easy to confuse. According to a study by the American Headache Society (AHS), approximately nine out of 10 headaches thought to be sinus headaches are actually migraines. Headache sufferers often incorrectly diagnose themselves with sinus headaches when they are indeed having a migraine, but doctors often get it wrong as well. Although sinus headaches and migraines share many symptoms, they are two very different headaches. There is no specific long-term cure for either headache, but knowing what kind of headache you are having can help you choose appropriate treatment.

  1. Migraines vs. Sinus Headaches

    • Migraines are vascular headaches that cause pain, sensitivity to sound and light, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. There are two kinds of migraines: classic and common. Classic migraines are accompanied by aura, a neurological change that usually occurs within 30 minutes of the start of the migraine. Aura may present as vision changes or numbness in the hands or feet. Common migraine sufferers do not experience aura. Although migraine pain is frequently on one side of the head, migraines can inflame the trigeminal nerve. The branches of this nerve run around the eyes, sinuses and jaw on both sides of the face, so some migraines may cause pain on both sides of the head. Because of the position of the branches of the trigeminal nerve, many people decide they must have a sinus headache because the pain is on both sides and around their sinuses. According to Dr. Eric Eross of the Mayo Clinic, symptoms like puffy eyes and nasal congestion that seemingly indicate a sinus problem can actually be caused by migraines.

    Knowing the Difference

    • You cannot determine whether you are having a sinus headache or a migraine on the basis of the location of the pain alone. There is one simple way to know the difference. According to Health Central, sinus headaches occur when there is a sinus infection present. If you don't have a sinus infection, you likely don't have a sinus headache and instead may be suffering from a migraine. Further, if you take pain medications for sinus headaches and your headache doesn't go away, it may be because you really need migraine medication.

    Treatment Options

    • There is no cure for headaches, as it is always possible to develop another headache at sometime in the future. There are, however, treatments for both sinus headaches and migraines. Treating the underlying sinus infection with antibiotics will clear up a sinus headache. For migraine treatment, over-the-counter migraine medications may help. If you need something stronger, your doctor can prescribe a migraine medication containing triptan. If you have certain migraine triggers, such as red wine or caffeine, lifestyle changes may also help. Your doctor can work with you to determine which kind of headache you are having and find the best treatment plan for you.

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