Identifying the type of headache you have can be a daunting task. Is it a sinus headache, or perhaps something more serious? Dr. Kelley Mingus of Bend Headache Center breaks it down for you.
Understanding Sinus Headaches
Before tackling the main question – is it a sinus headache or something more, one must understand what sinus headaches are. Sinus headaches are a type of headache that is often associated with discomfort or pain in the sinus areas, often caused by sinus inflammation or sinusitis. Symptoms often include nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, a reduced sense of smell, and pain that worsens with movement or strain.
Differentiating with Other Headaches
Sinus headaches, despite their name, aren’t always the result of sinus problems. Misdiagnosis is quite common, as their symptoms often overlap with other types of headaches such as migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. Let’s deeper.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches can also produce similar symptoms to sinus headaches – such as increased sensitivity to light or noise, nausea, and severe pain. They are often confused with sinus headaches due to their shared symptom of facial pressure. What sets them apart is the presence of an “aura,” a neurological disturbance that tends to precede the migraine’s onset.
Cluster Headaches
While cluster headaches are much rarer than sinus or migraine headaches, they are incredibly painful. Cluster headaches typically result in intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye, often followed by watery eyes and nasal congestion – symptoms strikingly similar to sinus headaches. , these headaches usually happen in clusters, for a few weeks or months, followed by a headache-free period.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, also known as stress headaches, are most likely to be confused with sinus headaches. They often cause a dull aching sensation all over your head, paired with tenderness around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles. While their symptoms are similar, tension headaches, unlike sinus headaches, aren’t associated with nasal discharge or fever.
What Does Dr. Kelley Mingus Say?
Dr. Kelley Mingus, a renowned expert at the Bend Headache Center in Oregon, expresses that distinguishing between sinus headaches and other types of headaches is crucial for effective treatment. His non-surgical and drug-free approach to headache relief has been lauded by patients for offering significant relief from chronic headache disorders.
Dr. Mingus emphasizes that an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. If you’re dealing with chronic headaches or debilitating migraines, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Unnecessary suffering is, after all, unnecessary.
Bottom Line
Is your headache a sinus headache or something more? The only way to know for sure is to see a healthcare provider, like Dr. Kelley Mingus at Bend Headache Center, for a thorough evaluation. With a personalized and thoughtful approach to headache relief, you can reclaim a pain-free lifestyle. A solution is within reach. Let the Bend Headache Center guide you through it.
