Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: How to Tell the Difference

Introduction

There are many kinds of headaches. Some people confuse migraines with sinus headaches since both diseases lead to a pain sensation in the forehead, eyes, and face. To distinguish between a sinus headache vs. migraine is crucial as it will affect their treatment.

What Is a Sinus Headaches?

When the sinuses get infected, there appears inflammation that leads to a sinus headache. It results in pain in the face area due to the increase in the pressure in the sinus area.

Sinus headache symptoms usually involve:

• Pain or pressure on the forehead, cheeks, and eyes

• Constriction of the nose

• Nasal discharge

• Tenderness of the face

• Loss of ability to smell

• In some cases – fever

In addition, sinus headaches get worse when one bends his body or lies down.

Migraine Overview

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring headaches, among other symptoms. Unlike sinus headaches, migraines are not generally caused by inflamed or infected sinuses.

Some of the most common symptoms of migraines include:

• Moderate to severe throbbing headache

• Typically occurs on one side of the head

• Nausea and vomiting

• Photosensitivity, phonosensitivity, and osmophobia (sensitivity to certain smells)

• Auras (visual disturbances)

• Dizziness

In addition, migraines usually last for hours or even days.

Comparing Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: Main Features

Though symptoms are similar, there are some significant features which differ sinus headaches from migraines.

Causes

The causes of sinus headaches are either inflammation or infection or allergy in sinuses. At the same time, migraines are neurological disorders characterized by complex alterations in brain activity and vascular system.

Pain Type

In case with sinus headaches patients feel persistent pressure in their face and forehead. In migraines, people suffer from throbbing or pulsating pain which gets stronger with physical exertion.

Nasal Issues

Patients have nasal congestion, facial pressure, and mucus secretions. In case of migraines, patients might feel only slight nasal issues; however, no congestion and other symptoms of infection.

Symptoms

Migraines often develop along with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sounds. In turn, these symptoms are absent in headaches.

Duration

As a rule, sinus headache ends when the condition causing it goes away. As for migraines, they can be repeated several times and can last up to several days.

Reasons Why People Think Migraines are Sinus Headaches

According to research, many patients diagnosed with sinus headaches may be suffering from migraines. This happens since migraines may involve facial pain, eye pressure, and nasal congestion. Many people therefore receive the wrong treatment due to being diagnosed wrongly.

This calls for proper diagnosis to manage headaches well.

Treatment for Headaches

The type of treatment required will depend on whether the cause of the headache is sinus disease or migraines.

Treatment for Sinus Headaches

1. Nasal wash
2. Medicines for allergy
3. Decongestants
4. Antibiotics when infection occurs
5. Treating chronic sinusitis

Treatment for Migraines

1. Medicines for pain relief
2. Prescribed medicines for migraines
3. Patient preventative measures
4. Healthy lifestyles

Moreover, drinking enough water and having good sleeping habits can prevent headaches.

Conclusion: Sinus Headaches

It is vital to distinguish between sinus headache and migraine since these conditions differ in causation and treatment methods. Where sinus headache arises due to inflammation or infection in the sinuses, migraine is a brain condition and tends to lead to complications. In addition, many patients assume that their migraines are cause by sinus issues. An accurate diagnosis can ensure you get proper treatment and alleviate your suffering. If you suffer from recurrent headaches, see a physician.