Sinuses are cavities located in the cheekbones, forehead and behind the nose, that are air filled. These sinuses under normal conditions act as channels for drainage of mucus from the nose. However, occasionally these channels may be infected or obstructed resulting in sinus headache.
Migraines or migraine headaches on the other hand are linked with circulatory and neuronal problems, though the manifestation is very similar.
Various studies have shown that migraine headaches are most frequently confused with sinus headaches, since they both manifest in a similar way. The differentiation between sinus and migraine headaches is important since the treatment of the two types of headache differ significantly. This article will provide insight into the differences and similarity of the two kinds of headaches.
Difference Between Migraine And Sinus Headache
It is often very difficult to differentiate sinus headache from migraine headache, since both the conditions tend to manifest very similar symptoms. As per experts, 90% of migraine conditions are misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. While both the conditions are very chronic in nature, there is a subtle difference,
- Sinus headaches are caused due to blockage or inflammation of the sinuses that drain the nose.This condition is often associated with severe heaviness in the head. Sinus headaches are more seasonal and frequently affect patients at every change in weather.
- Migraine headaches on the other hand are attributed to reduced blood flow to the muscles of the head and can manifest with typically with characteristic vision symptoms. Migraine headaches are often triggered by stress, hunger, excessive noise or prolonged exposure to bright light.
It is often important to differentiate between the two kinds of headaches, since the treatment regimen for the two differs significantly.
Sinus Headache And Migraine Symptoms
While the two conditions have very different causes, the two conditions often manifest in very similar ways. Some of the common symptoms associated with sinus and migraine headaches include the following,
- Severe facial pain is one of the most important symptoms associated with both the types of headaches. The pain may be characterized with sharp pain in the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. The pain is often aggravated on slightest movement or strain.
- Inability to concentrate on work, irritability, nausea, etc is some of the common symptoms associated with headache.
- Feeling of fullness in the ears with swelling on the face may also be observed in both the forms of headaches.
- Sinus headaches in addition to the above symptom may manifest other symptoms like nasal discharge and low grade fever. Migraine headache on the other hand may manifest vision related symptoms like flashes of light or dark spots in front of the eyes, increased sensitivity to light and noise, etc.
Sinus Headache Or Migraine Relief Treatment
It is important to remember that sinus headache and migraine headache treatment regimen may differ slightly. However there are several simple home remedies and natural treatment options that can help in the management of both the conditions,
- Steam inhalation is considered to be beneficial in both the forms of headache. In sinus headaches steam inhalation helps loosen the congestion in the sinuses, while in migraine headaches, it helps improve blood circulation to the head and relives the pain.
- Mix freshly crushed ginger, a few drops of freshly squeezed lime with pepper and drink the mixture. This mixture is considered to be very helpful in management of migraine headaches.