The difference between sinuses and a migraine?

Question

I usually have headaches... like on my temple and my forehead and it's very uncomfortable. I can't even explain what it's like. But I have people saying it could be sinuses and others saying that these headaches could be migraines. Or could it be something else?

Answer 1

A sinus headache is usually in the front of the head, often including the eyes and temples. It can be relieved by putting a hot wet rung out towel across the face and letting it cool, then repeat once or twice. Take a sinus headache medicine.

A migraine usually causes a flashing light in your eyes, nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light. Excedrin or a prescription medicine is best.










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Answer 2

Sinusitis basically means infection of the area within your sinuses. Your skull is full of holes (called sinuses) which usually drain to avoid congestion. However, sometimes the drainage orifices are clogged up and the secretions build up (especially in people with history of seasonal allergies), and infections can occur. In that case, you will have bad headaches and tenderness when someone pushses over your forehead, cheeks (depending on which sinuses are involved)

Migraine headaches are due to abnormal bloodflow in the brain. The pain can be similar to that of sinusitis. One way to tell between the two is to do a Cat scan of the sinuses to look for infection. Other things is just to treat for one thing ans see if it takes care of the headaches. For example, you can take antibiotics to treat the sinusitis, or a triptan (like imitrex or relpax) to treat the migraine.

Of course, medical history can lean the diagnosis one way or another as well - someone with fevers, and seasonal allergies will more likely have sinusitis. A person who has a family history of migraines, whose pain is worse with light and noise may more likely have migraines.

Other possible headaches - it could be your conventional headache (medical term: tension headache). Of course here are other more serious things like meningitis, but this does not sound it like.

Answer 3

first you need to see a doctor for a conclusive answer, small pointers, migraines mostly almost always one side, sinuses can be both sides. migraines are light and sound sensitive, sinuses are not, migraines are accompanied by nausea and vomiting, sinuses are not. migraines have aura (some feeling of a headache coming) sinus headaches do not. sinuses have nose plugged migraines do not, good luck

Answer 4

I just posted a *question shortly after you. I went for years suffering these wired occasional headaches. Most times a Benadryl: Headache, Sinus, Allergy tablet would do the trick. As years went by I started feeling depressed then after a bad head cold and my NOSE WAS NOT PLUGGED UP ANYMORE OR RUNNING I started having dizziness then headaches that were constant. Chronic Sinusitis was finally diagnosed. Took anti-biotics 3-weeks, steroids oral and spray. And now I'm stuck taking Allegra D 12 hour tablets 1-2 times a day for headache relief that works most of the time, 80%. I'm not through with the doctors yet. The Allegra causes sleep, urinary and erectile problems. 30 day supply Allegra $90 Sam's Club.

*Has anyone used "Pe Min Kan Wan formula" for chronic sinusitis?

After taking antibiotics, steroids both oral and spray, I still have to take Allegra D 12 hours tablets 1-2 times daily for headaches. I would like to try "Pe Min Kan Wan formula". Personal recommendations would be appreciated from those who have used "Pe Min Kan Wan formula" for chronic sinusitis. Thank you.

Answer 5

Sinus is a technical term for the nose, a migraine is a type of severe head ache which can often lead to being sick... =)

Answer 6

It sounds like sinus.

Answer 7

sinus--nose
migrain--head

Answer 8

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html