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Case Reports
. 2007 Jan 9:3:3.
doi: 10.1186/1746-160X-3-3.

Pneumatized superior turbinate as a cause of headache

Elias Homsioglou  1 , Dimitrios G Balatsouras, Gregory Alexopoulos, Antonis Kaberos, Michael Katotomichelakis, Vassilios Danielides
Affiliations
Case Reports

Pneumatized superior turbinate as a cause of headache

Elias Homsioglou et al. Head Face Med. .

Abstract

Background: A pneumatized superior turbinate is a rare cause of headache. Nasal endoscopy alone, does not provide us with adequate information for this inaccessible area of the superior nasal cavity. A coronal computed tomography (CT) must be obtained to confirm the diagnosis.

Case presentation: We present a 40-year-old female with migraine-type headache and nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy revealed a mild septal deviation, a right middle concha bullosa and a paradoxically curved middle turbinate on the left side. Coronal CT-scan showed also the presence of a superior concha bullosa on the left, which was in close contact with the nasal septum. The patient underwent septoplasty and bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery, including partial removal of both the pneumatized middle turbinates in conjunction with gentle lateralization and resection of the lower half of the left superior turbinate. Prompt relief from headache and nasal symptoms was obtained.

Conclusion: Pneumatized superior concha causing migrainous headache is a rare finding. Endoscopic surgery may provide permanent relief of symptoms.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Coronal CT scan revealing pneumatization of the superior left turbinate (arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Endoscopic view of the left nasal cavity (ST: superior turbinate; S: septum; MT: middle turbinate).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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