What Are the Causes of Sinus Migraine?

Sinus headaches and migraines are commonly confused due to similar symptoms of facial pressure and intense throbbing in the head that is often localized on one side. The misdiagnosis of both conditions typically results in migraines being treated as sinus headaches.

• Sinus headaches and migraines are often confused as the same condition.

Significance

• Sinus headaches are caused by nasal congestion resulting from allergies or a virus clogging the sinuses, whereas migraines are triggered by emotional distress, hormonal imbalances, chemical sensitivities and hereditary gene mutations.

Function

• Sinus infections that cause headaches result from inflammation and pressure due to excess fluids. Migraines physically result from swelling due to blood vessel expansion, neurological conditions or vertebrae subluxation.

Identification

• Sinus headaches are accompanied by a runny nose, discharge, ear infections and congestion, whereas migraines produce symptoms of aura, causing light and sound sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion and temporary paralysis.

Prevention/Solution

• Sinus headaches respond to antibiotics and antihistamines within 24 to 48 hours, unlike migraines that occur cyclically throughout a person's life, requiring beta blockers, antidepressants, hormone therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.

Misconceptions

• The misnomer, "sinus migraine" may have been mistakenly coined to describe a dual condition of sinus headache and migraine, potentially caused by coincidental pain, menstruation, lack of sleep or stress during a sinus infection.