How to Tell the Difference Between a Sinus Headache and Migraine

How to Tell the Difference Between a Sinus Headache and Migraine

How to Tell the Difference Between a Sinus Headache and Migraine

Headaches, while sometimes common, can frequently impact the quality of life. While there are several different kinds of headaches, each one causes pain and discomfort. Depending on the type of headache, certain treatments are more effective than others.

What Is The Difference Between A Sinus Headache and A Migraine?

Both sinus and migraine headaches can be extremely painful. They may cause an individual to miss work or to have additional symptoms such as fatigue or even fever. A sinus doctor in Los Angeles can help diagnose the issue for accurate treatment options.

Overlapping Symptoms

Migraines and sinus headaches can have overlapping symptoms. While they are both headaches, they also share additional symptoms that can be unique among headaches.

According to sinus and nasal doctors in Los Angeles, individuals who have a sinus headache or a migraine can experience:

Migraines

The causes for a migraine headache are currently unknown. There are several theories as to why they may occur in some individuals and not others. Some doctors believe they are linked to stress while others believe it is genetic.

The symptoms of a migraine can greatly vary depending on the person. Common symptoms according to a sinus doctor in Los Angeles include a throbbing or pulsing type of pain that can range from moderate to severe. Signs of a migraine can occur sometimes days before the actual headache. Many who experience migraines become sensitive to light or sound while they are experiencing the pain. They may also feel nauseous with facial tenderness. Unlike sinus headaches, migraines do not require sinus surgery in Los Angeles.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus and nasal doctors in Los Angeles identify inflammation as one possible cause for this headache. Sinus headaches can also be caused by an infection, allergy, or nasal obstruction. Sinus relief in Los Angeles can be found with the right physician.

Sinus headache symptoms include pain or tightness around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. This pain may worsen if the individual bends over. Sinus headaches may be accompanied with a stuffy nose and soreness around the upper teeth. Unlike most other headaches, sinus headaches can cause a decreased sense of smell as well as a fever.

How Are They Diagnosed?

To properly diagnose a specific type of headache, various tests may be administered. Some of these tests may include an MRI or a CT scan. An endoscopy may be used to effectively rule out sinusitis.

In addition to medical testing, a doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history. If migraines or sinus headaches run in the family, this can potentially indicate a genetic cause.

Sinus Pressure Relief Los Angeles

Sinus pressure relief Los Angeles can involve several different treatments. An official diagnosis must first be made by a physician. Once the proper testing has been done, a physician can then recommend a series of different treatment options.

Some treatment options include lifestyle changes, certain vaporizers, or surgical options. Two common forms of surgery include functional endoscopic sinus surgery that removes tissue or balloon sinuplasty which can enlarge the sinus cavity. 

Sinus surgery in Los Angeles can help improve an individual’s quality of life. For sinus relief in Los Angeles, visiting a trained, medical professional can greatly help eliminate sinus headaches and migraines. 

2021-01-18T08:43:36+00:00