Health Care Industry
Industry: Email Alert RSS FeedMigraines often mistaken for sinus headaches
AORN Journal, Dec, 2002
People who believe they are suffering from a sinus headache actually may be suffering from a migraine, according to an October 2002 news release from the National Headache Foundation. True sinusitis presents with several major symptoms including, facial pressure, postnasal drainage, congestion, and altered ability to taste and smell. Additional minor symptoms may include headache, cough, ear pressure, and fatigue. When a headache is the only symptom, it is more likely a vascular type of headache.
A study conducted at the Headache Care Center, Springfield, Mo, found that 97% of participants who had self-diagnosed sinus headaches actually had symptoms consistent with migraine attacks. Reasons that headache sufferers have difficulty distinguishing between a sinus headache and a migraine include that
Most RecentHealth Care Articles
* some people associate strange visual symptoms with migraine headaches (only 20% of migraine sufferers experience these symptoms);
* both sinus headaches and migraines can be triggered by weather changes;
* both types of headaches produce pain in the same areas; and
* both types of headaches can cause drainage and other sinus symptoms, such as teary eyes.
Correct diagnosis of the type of headache will lead to more effective treatment. Migraine sufferers may experience better outcomes using migraine-specific treatments, whereas sinus headache sufferers should receive treatment based on an evaluation of the sinuses.
Sinus Headaches Versus Migraine (news release, Chicago: National Headache Foundation, October 2002) http:// www.headaches.org/professional/press%20releases/sinus release.pdf (accessed 21 Oct 2002).
Brought to you by CBS MoneyWatch.com
- 10 Best Places to Retire
- Companies with the Best 401(k) Plans
- Most Important Document for Your Heirs? It's Not Your Will
- Video: Should You Expect to Retire Rich?
- Over 50? Here's How to Get (and Keep) a Great Job
Most Recent Health Articles
Most Recent Health Publications
Most Popular Health Articles
- Detox in 7 days: a detoux diet can help you shed up to 10 pounds and leave you feeling terrific. Our weeklong plan shows you how to lose the weight and keep it off - Cover story
- All about nightshades: explore the hidden hazards of your favorite food with macrobiotic nutritionist Lino Stanchich
- La anemia falciforme - causas y tratamiento
- The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use
- Treat sinusitis naturally: breath easy and relieve sinus pressure with these remedies - Quick Fixes and Long-Term Solutions

