migraine/sinus

[FKayeB]

I am 64 yo mother of three, have experienced migraines for some 30yrs.  Over past 5 yrs the onset & presentation has changed. This year I have exp 3 x 2-3day headaches.  They typically commence by being woken at around 4am by pain in the face.  Tablets rarely help.  Within 2-3 hrs I begin vomiting and may do so for up to 24hrs.  During this time along with pain in my face & nasal areas my sinuses drain and seem to cause the prolonged vomiting.  I cannot keep anything down including fluids or medications.  I frequently faint whilst vomiting.  Are these headaches caused by sinus problems?  Is there any remedy other than ongoing medication?  Is diet a factor?  I weigh 54kg & am otherwise very healthy

[t2430]

Hi there, i am looking for some advice on behalf of my 64 yro Grandfather. For the past 10-15 yrs he has been experiencing chronic headaches, dizziness, bad sinus problems and brings up lots of mucus from the chest. So i as his grand daughter am seeking advice to see what this may be caused by as hes been to his GP numerous times and the medication that he has been prescribing him don't seem to be helping him at all they tend to be making the matter worse. He is also asthmatic, has the minor diabetes, hip problem, arthritis, chronic pulmonary disorder and heart problems which he takes meds for all issues. He has been since prescribed Tramadol which has not helped so will be thinking of seeking advice from another doctor and seeking to book him in to get a MRI scan. Any advice is much appreciated, Thankyou.

[FKayeB]

Thank you again for your reply.  I have noted each comment and have today made an appointment  for a referral to an ENT I will contact you following the report when I receive it.
FKayeB

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A baseline cranial CT scan may be necessary given that you have been experiencing headaches for years already. This may not show anything significant but it may help for future reference.

A consult with your ENT may be necessary. The clear nasal or sinus discharge may still indicate an infection albeit viral. Sinus congestion secondary to allergic reactions may also lead to a sensation of head fullness or headaches.

Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Stay in well ventilated places. The sinus condition has to be addressed first as management of this condition may help resolve the headaches.

[FKayeB]

Thank you Dr Vanessa Lacuesta,
so much for your prompt reply.  
I have consulted GP’s, but not an ENT specialist.   I am willing to do so ASAP.  In the past I believed chocolate to be a trigger & subsequently removed it from my diet for some 4 yrs.   It seemed to have little noticeable change to the headaches.  I have also suspected dairy to be a contributor & have decided to eliminate these also.
I do not have any known allergies.  
I am unsure as to what a “baseline scan” is and who would do this.  May I also add to the symptoms listed previously that the mucous from my sinuses is clear i.e. not indicative of infection
Thankyou FKayeB

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,


This appears to be due to the underlying sinus problem. I feel this requires further evaluation. Have you had a consult with an ENT specialist?

I suggest you seek consult with an ENT specialist and have your condition assessed. This will help evaluate how severe your sinus problem is. You may need oral medications. Also, there may be an underlying allergic component here. Would you know any trigerring factors for the headaches?

There are some food that seem to trigger the onset of migraines eg milk ,cheese and chocolates. You may try to modify intake of these in the diet.

Do you have any history of allergies.

Have you had a baseline scan done to assess your headaches?