Migraines or Sinus's

[mckl]

How can I tell if I'm suffering from sinusitis or migraines since the two present themselves in similar ways with similar symptoms? I've had CT scans for sinusitis and it's shown very little to nothing even though the symptoms I'm experiencing are severe. I'm currently seeing an ent and she says its migraines not sinus. This has been going on for months and months and I'm scheduling an appointment for an MRI of my brain.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
You are right in saying that sinus headaches are often misdiagnosed. And it is common to mistake migraine pain for sinus pain. The presence of an allergy history can also cause headaches as well. Generalized headache, nasal congestion, and watery eyes may be caused by seasonal allergens or food.  Antihistamine medication usually provide relief. Merry Christmas!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
The so called Caffeine-Withdrawal headaches may present with throbbing headache caused by rebound dilation of the blood vessels. This may occur days after consumption of large quantities of caffeine. In extreme cases, this is treated by terminating caffeine consumption or avoiding excess use of caffeine. Abortive medicine for migraine may help provide relief. However, it is not advisable to take over-the-counter pain medication with the risk of rebound headaches. Take care and have a Merry Christmas!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Gnawing pain over the nasal area which increases in severity throughout the day may indicate a sinus infection. It can be caused by acute infection, usually with fever, producing blockage of sinus ducts and preventing normal drainage. However, sinus headaches are rare. Migraine and cluster headaches are often misdiagnosed as sinus in origin. Migraine may be treated with abortive and regular migraine medicine. There are plenty of migraine drugs available and it is best that you discuss this with your doctor to determine the best medicine for you. Determining the headache triggers may also help. Take care and best regards.

[medhelpme2]

I had the same questions before being diagnosed with migraines. I was so sure it was sinuses. So I kept pressing until I finally believed my doctor that it was truly a migraine causing the symptoms.

My doctor told me it was common to mistake migraine pain for sinus pain. I would have sharp pain behind my eyes and a runny nose. Not sure how this occurs, but apparently some of the nerves affected by migraines can also cause a runny nose.

You should listen to your doctor. Try a migraine medication when you are experiencing the "sinus pain." If the pain goes away, it is most likely caused by migraine.

[cheazhed]

hi, i am having same problem. 3 1/2 months now with severe headache. I been thinking its sinuses too. I have all the sinus issues with it, but ent says its not. my ct did show some extra mucos in one part of the sinuses, but they say its nothing. migraine meds have done nothing for me. I just found yesterday that caffeine helps, but i have to take a ton of it, til i feel like i'm coming out of my skin, and as i understand it, that too, will cause headaches. its a vicious cycle. i am so sick of being in pain every waking minute, with no answers and nothing that will help. i'm sure you feel the same way. i will post if and when i find out something. i hope you will do the same. take care.