IS IT A MIGRAINE OR A SINUS HEADACHE?
It’s one of the most common medical problems we see in the OPD these days .Patients describe their headache symptoms in accordance with a clear cut clinical diagnosis, which can be masquerading a sinus headache or a certain type of migraine headache. Both the types can mimic nasal/sinus congestion leading to a mis-directed treatment with over the counter medicines.
MIGRAINE HEADACHE
This condition is typically characterized by severe headaches, frequently created by an underlying, inherited, neurological disorder. However, there are many different types of migraine headaches, with a wide variety of presenting symptoms.
Although researchers are not sure of the exact cause of a migraine, it is believed that ‘triggers‘ (such as different types of smell, foods, hormonal fluctuations, stress etc) cause certain areas of the brain to become ‘overexcited’ resulting in a severe headache. Migraines are frequently accompanied by an increased sensitivity to light, smell, or sound. For some reason, migraines are more common in women and can occur during childhood, as well as adulthood.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A MIGRAINE GO AWAY?
Of course, the treatment will depend upon the underlying cause .Treatment is centred around stopping symptoms and, in severe cases, medication is needed to prevent the migraine from occurring. Preventative medications may need to be taken every day. Some effective preventative medicines include blood pressure lowering medications, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and even botox treatment. There are some lifestyle and alternative treatments that may work, but this depends upon the severity of migraines.
The following methods do help :
1.Deep relaxation
2. Developing regular eating and sleeping routine
3. Staying hydrated
4. Exercising regularly
5. Acupuncture
DO MIGRAINES RUN IN FAMILIES?
It’s possible that there is a genetic connection to migraines. Those who have a family member who has experienced migraines are more likely to have one also.
§ Age- while these occur at any age, they tend to start during your teen years and peak during the thirties.
§ Gender – women are three times more likely to have migraines. Hormonal changes may also play a role.
SINUS HEADACHE
Patients with seasonal allergies or chronic or acute sinusitis may also have a headache. The most common cause of a sinus headache is a viral respiratory infection, or the common cold. As opposed to a migraine, which has a neurological cause, a sinus headache is caused by inflammation of the nasal passages.
Other symptoms of sinusitis include:
§ Stuffy nose
§ Pain around the eyes, cheeks and forehead
§ Decreased sense of smell
§ Excessive nasal discharge
§ Sneezing
§ Sore throat
§ Cough+/- Fever
§ Chills
SIGNS OF A SINUS HEADACHE?
A sinus headache is usually not as severe as a migraine but can still make you feel bad. Following are a few of the telltale signs that you might have one:
§ A feeling of fullness in your cheeks, brow, or forehead
§ Pain if you bend forward (or lie down)
§ Fatigue
§ Congestion
§ Aching teeth
HOW DO YOU TREAT A SINUS HEADACHE?
The key to treating a sinus headache is to address the underlying cause. Sinus headaches can be caused by chronic allergies!
However, for temporary relief, we recommend the following:
Normal saline nasal irrigation
Drink water to stay hydrated
Rest
Steam
Use a humidifier
SINUS HEADACHE versus MIGRAINE HEADACHE
Migraines can be debilitating. However, there are some differences between a migraine and a sinus headache.
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KEYWORDS: MIMIC NASAL, SINUS CONGESTION, MIGRAINE HEADACHE, BOTOX TREATMENT, MIGRAINES, SINUS HEADACHE, CHRONIC ALLERGIES, NORMAL SALINE NASAL IRRIGATION
For further queries about the infections, diseases, and treatments of the ear, nose or throat, Dr Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics in Chennai, India can help in a number of ways,
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