Sinus Headaches
When is a headache a sinus headache?
There are multiple causes for headaches and not all headaches in the nasal and sinus region are caused by chronic nasal or sinus disease. Chronic sinus sufferers complain of headaches located over the sinuses, behind the eyes, top of the head or extend into the upper teeth. In addition, these patients also complain of all of the other symptoms we have previously discussed including fevers, facial pain, nasal discharge and nasal congestion.
If there is no significant history of antibiotic use for frequent infections and CT scans do not demonstrate sinus swelling, there is a high likelihood the headaches are non-sinus origin. In this situation, patients are referred to a neurologist who specializes in facial pain and headaches.
If there is no evidence of allergies or a neurological cause for headaches, your doctor may perform a Sino-Nasal Topical Anesthetic Study (SINTA Study). This study will determine if pressure points in specific regions in the sinuses are responsible for headaches. Surgery is reserved as a last resort for sinus headaches. Success rates are variable and reported as high as 70% by some authors.
