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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports

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01-08-2021 | Migraine | Headache (R.B. Halker Singh and J. VanderPluym, Section Editors)

Debunking Myths: Sinus Headache

Authors: Jennifer Robblee, Karissa A. Secora

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 8/2021

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.

Summary

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.

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Title: Debunking Myths: Sinus Headache
Authors: Jennifer Robblee
Karissa A. Secora
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Migraine
Sphenoid Sinusitis
Rhinosinusitis
Headache
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 8/2021
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-021-01127-w

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Debunking Myths: Sinus Headache

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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