Sinus Migraine Headache – Is this you?
Congestion – runny nose – allergies? sinus infection? – and then, a headache. Could this be what is often called a sinus migraine headache?
What is often thought of as a sinus migraine headache is a moderate to severe headache that is accompanied by sinus conditions. Runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and a feeling of “pressure” and/or pain in the face. You might also feel like your skin is sensitive, and feel “hot”.
The symptoms can come in a variety of combinations. Could it be an allergy? A sinus infection?
Speaking stricly statistically, probably not. In most cases these are symptoms of some type of migraine. Although some people talk about a sinus migraine headache, this isn’t really an official term.
Believe it or not, congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure could be symptoms of migraine, even when there is no allergy or infection at all.
The disease is “migraine” – sinus and headache are adjectives simply describing certain possible symptoms.
Could an allergy actually trigger migraine symptoms? Yes, there does seem to be a connection. But in many cases, treating the symptoms with allergy medication may be the wrong approach. Consider talking to a migraine specialist about your symptoms, especially if you’re not satisfied with the results you’re getting from your allergy medication.
What about a sinus infection, or sinusitis? There are some very easy ways to tell the difference between sinusitis and migraine. For a quick graphic, see Sinus Headache – Probably Migraine. For more in-depth information, read Sinus Headache – Did You Really Beat It?
Dr. Kevin Weber, neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says candidly: “I work with ear, nose, and throat doctors very closely. They get a lot of referrals for sinus headaches, but most of those end up being migraines. Sinus headache is very overdiagnosed, and migraine is underdiagnosed.” [source]
Bottom line: Your sinus migraine headache may need to be treated as a migraine, by a migraine specialist. Don’t put up with allergy and sinus medications when they’re really not solving the underlying problem.