Sinus Headaches May Really Be Migraines

Patients with a history of "sinus" headache, no previous diagnosis of migraine, and no evidence of infection were assigned a headache diagnosis on the basis of headache histories and reported symptoms. A total of 2991 patients were screened. In this study, 88% of patients with a history of "sinus" headache were determined to have migraine-type headache. The most common symptoms relative to the sinus area were sinus pressure (84%), sinus pain (82%), and nasal congestion (63%). In patients with recurrent headaches without fever or discharge, the presence of sinus-area symptoms may be part of the migraine process. The possibility of migraine should be included in making a diagnosis in these patients. Schreiber CP, et al. l. “Prevalence of migraine in patients with a history of self-reported or physician-diagnosed "sinus" headache.” Archives of Internal Medicine. 164(16):1769-72, 2004 Sep 13.