Sinus Headaches are getting more frequent...

I have frontal sinus pain usually three  to four times a week; the pain starts  at the bridge of my nose at beneath the eye brows.  This happens often after I eat  and the pain continues until it's a migraine headache; I thought to add that the nose area get's cold as well...   My migraines are increasing in frequency and in severity and I've had them for about 25 years now.  I have been "allergy" tested and told "I have no allergies" I'm told I have "intollerences" to the invironment... I suffer year round with my "sinus headaches" and was even convinced into having "sinus surgery" that was performed by a Ears Nose and Throat MD and cost about 10 Grand...   All they did was widen the inside of your nose so you can breath a little better; unfortunatley it just gave me false hope that my pain and problems would be over...  It did nothing for my sinus headaches since it doesn't actually involve any sinus's .  I've taken meds such as Sudafed, Tylenol, Ibuprofen and prescriptions nose sprays, allergy meds and  Immitrex for migraines.   I can no longer tollerate the smells of most perfumes, colognes and even some of the deoderants my hubby wears keeps me at a distance... Once I smell them a reaction starts within my nose up to my sinus's.  I also get a terrible reaction to MSG but I know that's common for many people... I hope I haven't left out anything but I'm hoping someone will help diagnose my condition! This may far-fetched, but I've even wondered as far as could my fillings in my teeth be causing me problems since the teeth run near sinus's...  

[bsmsl]

Hi, I would strongly suspect that you are not having sinus headaches at all.  many people mistake migraines as sinus headaches.  Since you know you already have migraines and the headaches develop into full blown migraines, I would definitely think that is what is going on.  

You should see a headache specialist.  Some allergists treat migraines.  Since yours are triggered by environmental issues and fragrances, that would be my first option.  Another option would be a neurologist.  For many people one medicine won't work, but they require a specific combination of treatments that is particular to them.  Keep working with a specialist to find the combination that works for you and don't give up.

The fillings are not as far fetched as you may think.  Many people are allergic to some of the metals used in them and react with headaches.  That would be something to discus with your migraine doctor and dentist.

I would suggest that you start buying your husband fragrance free deodorant, if it comes in men's version.  If not, Mitchum makes one that should work well.  

Praying you find solutions soon.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is important to rule out the cause. Firstly, cause of the headache other than migraine should be ruled out. Such as Giant cell arteritis, brain tumors, post traumatic headache, Ruptured intra cranial aneurysm and cerebral venous thrombosis.

Systematic evaluation using CT/MRI of brain will rule out above causes. If it comes normal, should consider the possibility of migraine. In such cases trigger factor should be isolated (like particular smell in our case) and  further exposure should be avoided. It can be treated with the help of NSAIDs and triptans against prescription.

Even sinusitis should be ruled out which present as pressure over fore head. This can be ruled out with the help of appropriate head x-ray which can visualize the para nasal sinuses. If sinusitis present then draining of sinuses will provide immense relief.

I suggest you to consult neurophysician. Take care and regards.