Does anyone else have chronic painful "sinus headaches"

I have sinus headaches almost daily and they basically render me unable to cocentrate, nauseated and in pain I would say its a 6 or 7 on pain scale. Reluctant to see MD b/c I'm looking for a good PCP and generally they seem to think you have an alterior motive. Any advice or similar experiences? Tried acetaminophen and NSAIDS which I can no longer tolerate due to GI side effects. Are they migraines and what treatments are affective?

[irishred795]

I though I was having sinus headaches but after talking to a neurologist learned that they were migraines. The doctor said a few things I mentioned let him know they were migraines not sinus headaches. They last only 24 hours, I'm light-sensitive w/the headache, I'm nauseaus (and sometimes do vomit), worst pain ever definitely a 7 or higher. Sinus headaches do not cause light or sound sensitivity or nausea. Also, migraines are recurrent. Mine were happening once a month for about eighteen months but are more frequent now due to another condition. Keeping a record of when they happen and how long they last and other symptoms you experience with it can help the doctor you see diagnose you correctly. I used to use Excedrin Migraine for them and that helped for a really long time. I don't know if you'll be able to use them with your GI issues though. Good luck finding a doctor and I hope you feel better soon.

[suz1857]

I too suffer those headaches and couldn't decide if they're sinus or migraine. The docs have said they're migraine and related to my POTS.  Besides trying all sorts of natural remedies (which usually don't work) I have used Maxaalt.  It's fantastic but my insurance co. just informed me that they won't approve it for me. So- I'll be trying Imitrex, a common med for migraines.  When the migraine occurs, I need to stay warm (I feel very cold, even my nose gets cold).  Hot showers or baths sometimes help. Putting my head over a pan of steaming water sometimes helps. They say they're migraines but I think there's got to be some sinus involvement. Hope this helps and good luck.

[Lynn63]

I have the Hyperadrenergic form of POTS.  I have found that Cymbalta (which is shown to help with this form of POTS) helps dramatically with my headaches that had been almost daily.  Sudafed is also found to help with this 'H' form of POTS.  I read somewhere that keeping your allergies under control is really important with POTS.  
My mom also has 'H' POTS and she takes Sudafed daily and has for many years (not knowing that she had POTS).  She doesn't feel well when she doesn't take it.
Below is a link to an article by Dr. Grubb that talks about the different forms of POTS and has a table in it that lists different treatment that help with the various forms of POTS.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/117/21/2814#TBL1189801

I highly recommend checking out this article (and any others you can find by Dr. Grubb.  It is very helpful.

I hope you find something to help with your headaches soon!
Lynn:)