Debunking Myths: Sinus Headache

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although sinus headache has been extensively reviewed and described, misdiagnosis remains common. This paper discusses the myths and truths about sinus headaches.

Recent findings: Sinus headache is used colloquially to attribute facial pain to allergies or a sinus infection; however, most sinus headaches are migraine. Sinus-region pain from sinusitis and migraine share the same origins in the trigeminovascular system, but their causes are very different. After reviewing sinus anatomy and sinogenic pain, we provide information to assist clinicians in correctly diagnosing patients with the additional goal of avoiding unnecessary investigations and treatments. Migraine medications can be used as both a treatment and a diagnostic tool. Other differential diagnoses of facial pain are discussed. Sinus headache is not a diagnosis. All patients with facial pain or pressure with sinus symptoms should be evaluated for migraine because most sinus headache presentations are migraine and require migraine-directed treatment.

Keywords: Allergies; Facial pain; Headache; Migraine; Sinus headache; Sinusitis.