What are the symptoms of sinus headaches?
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Symptoms of Sinus Headaches
Sinus Pain and Pressure
One of the primary symptoms of sinus headaches is pain and pressure in the sinus area. This pain is often described as a deep, constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movements or straining1 3.
Nasal Congestion and Discharge
Patients with sinus headaches frequently report nasal congestion and discharge. This can include a feeling of stuffiness in the nose and the presence of thick, colored mucus. These symptoms are often mistaken for signs of sinus infection but can also be present in other types of headaches, such as migraines1 3 4.
Facial Pain and Tenderness
Facial pain and tenderness, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, are common symptoms of sinus headaches. This tenderness is often exacerbated by touching the affected areas or by bending forward2 4.
Headache with Nasal Symptoms
A significant overlap exists between sinus headaches and migraines, with many patients experiencing headaches accompanied by nasal symptoms such as congestion and rhinorrhea. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis, as these symptoms are not exclusive to sinus headaches and can also be present in migraines1 3 4.
Autonomic Symptoms
Autonomic symptoms, such as tearing, redness of the eyes, and swelling around the eyes, can also accompany sinus headaches. These symptoms are due to the involvement of autonomic nerves in the sinus region and can further complicate the diagnosis2 5.
Misdiagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
It is important to note that many patients who believe they have sinus headaches may actually be experiencing migraines. Studies have shown that a high percentage of patients diagnosed with sinus headaches meet the criteria for migraines, highlighting the need for careful differential diagnosis1 3 4.
Conclusion
Sinus headaches are characterized by pain and pressure in the sinus area, nasal congestion, facial pain, and autonomic symptoms. However, due to the significant symptom overlap with migraines, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek a thorough evaluation to ensure appropriate treatment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sinus headache or migraine? Considerations in making a differential diagnosis
Nasal symptoms associated with headaches should not exclude a diagnosis of sinus disease or exclude a diagnosis of migraine, but should prompt diagnostic consideration of both conditions.
Highly CitedCauses of headache in patients with a primary diagnosis of sinus headache
Many patients with a primary diagnosis of "sinus headache" have no sinonasal abnormalities and instead meet the IHS criteria for migraine or tension-type headache.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalPrevalence of migraine in patients with a history of self-reported or physician-diagnosed "sinus" headache.
88% of patients with a history of "sinus" headache were diagnosed with migraine-type headache, suggesting that migraine should be included in the differential diagnosis for these patients.
Observational StudyHighly CitedSinus headache: a clinical conundrum.
Sinus headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines, but nasal pathologic conditions can also cause them, with symptom overlap among migraine, rhinosinusitis, and other nasal passage/sinus pathologic conditions.
Highly CitedHeadache Caused by Sinus Disease.
Sinus headaches are rare and often mistaken for migraines, with autonomic dysfunction and trigeminovascular pathways contributing to similar symptoms.
Debunking Myths: Sinus Headache
Most sinus headaches are migraines, not allergies or sinus infections, and should be evaluated for migraine-directed treatment to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments.
Headaches and Facial Pain in Rhinology
Otolaryngologists should be equipped to evaluate and treat facial pain, including sinus headaches, migraines, and other causes, to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and timely referrals to appropriate disciplines.
Sinus Headache: Differential Diagnosis and an Evidence-Based Approach.
Sinus headaches are not always caused by nasal or paranasal sinus disorders, and a systematic approach and multidisciplinary approach are crucial for optimal patient care.
Headaches and Disease of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
Headaches caused by nasal or sinus disease may be linked to neuropeptide (substance P) and may be accompanied by symptoms like congestion, fullness, discharge, or obstruction.
Sinus headaches: avoiding over- and mis-diagnosis
Sinus headaches are rare and often caused by vascular events, not by acute bacterial sinusitis or chronic sinusitis.
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