Migraine vs Chronic Sinusitis

    
      Re: Migraine vs Chronic Sinusitis
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Neurology Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF Neuro MD on June 20, 1997 at 15:02:07:

In Reply to: Migraine vs Chronic Sinusitis posted by Diane Tait on June 11, 1997 at 22:55:58:

: My daughter suffers from Migraines and has for ten years. She has had an MRI done and they found only that she has chronic sinusitis. Could there be even a remote possibility that she is not suffering migraines but severe headaches from this sinusitis? She has been hospitalized on several occasions over the past five years and they given her IVs for Migraines and she gives herself Immitrex injections? She was not aware that she has sinusitis as she has rarely, maybe never had a sinus infection. Your response would be greatly appreciated.
  Thank you
  Diane
==================================================================================================
Dear Diane,
It is not uncommon for sinusitis to cause headaches. These headaches may be across the forehead or under the eyes and may be described as a pressure sensation.  It may or may not be associated with fever or nasal drainage. These occur on a daily basis. Treatment of sinusitis is with antibiotics and decongestants.  If there is significant evidence of sinusitis it is worth a trial of treatment to see if this relieves her headaches.  If not, it is probably not related to the sinusitis.  Migraine headaches, can also present in the forehead, above one or both eyes or may present in the back of the head.  It has a more throbbing quality and may be associated with nausea and vomiting, light and sound sensitivity. These typically occur less than once or twice a week or even more rarely as 1-2 times per year.  They do not occur daily.  There may be associated with visual changes before the onset of the headache (aura).  If headaches occur daily (or less frequently), one has to consider tension type headaches.  These
can be equally disabling as a migraine headache.
Your daughter's headaches sound quite complicated. It is impossible to diagnose without asking your daughter a number of questions.  There are a large number of medications which are available and are to become available in the near future.  I would recommend that if treatment options become limited with your current physician (most physicians admit to frustration in treating difficult headaches)a referral to a neurologist who specializes in treatment of headaches would be appropriate.  There may be even some trials ongoing that she may qualify for.  There are a number of headache centers around the country.  The Cleveland Clinic has one, and you may call 1-800-223-2273 ext 45559 to arrange an appointment if you desire or contact the American Council for Headache Education (875 Kings highway - Suite 200, Woodbury, NJ  08096-3172, phone-609-845-0322, website: http://www.achenet.org)
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of you specific medical condition.  Good luck.