A migraine headache is a condition defined by recurring moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from hours to days. | Author AndrewLozovyi
A migraine headache is a condition defined by recurring moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from hours to days. | Author AndrewLozovyi
- One of the most common misdiagnoses is chronic sinusitis and migraine
- The primary cause of migraine is still unknown
- 99% of patients were misdiagnosed at primary care or in the emergency room
One condition, chronic sinusitis, which is also referred to as nose inflammation, is now thought to potentially trigger migraines.
According to WebMD, one particular study that was published in The Journal of Headache and Pain reveals one of the most common misdiagnoses is sinusitis and migraine headaches. This is especially true if there are affiliated symptoms, such as sinus headaches, dry sinus headaches or severe sinus headaches. The study concluded that out of 113 participants, 106 -- roughly 81% -- were misdiagnosed.
“Sinus headaches are basically pressure caused by mucus production within the sinuses that cannot drain,” Dr. Nicola DeLorio of Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group told the South Jersey Sun. “We have two large sinuses in our forehead called the frontal sinuses that make mucus, which is drained to the nose. We either blow it out or swallow it. If mucus stays within the sinuses, it causes pressure, pain, and headaches. Treatment varies based on a patient's needs, but in essence, it can be helpful. Returning normal function to the sinus helps resolves long-term issues.”
According to the American Migraine Foundation, both migraine attacks and sinus headaches can cause facial pain, watery eyes, and postnasal drip. These shared symptoms contribute to the misdiagnosis and self-diagnosis of sinus headache.
The primary cause of migraine headaches is still unknown. One study from The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery was conducted to determine the correlation between sinusitis and migraines, only to report that further investigation and a clinic trial is necessary.
A study completed by University of Michigan found that 99% of 114 participants were misdiagnosed as having chronic sinusitis when their diagnosis came from the emergency department of a hospital or their primary care physician. The study findings reveal that the best diagnosis comes from a sinus inflammation specialist, or otolaryngologist.
We encourage our readers to learn more about their sinuses by taking this online Sinus Self-Asessment Quiz.
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