Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinus headache, or perceived sinus headache symptoms, can be one of the most misdiagnosed headache within the realm of headaches.

Many times people will come to our clinic stating they "have sinus".

The headache feels like pressure around their sinuses and yet the light bothers them.

What most people don't realize is that about 40% of all migraines have pain just between the eyes and around the nose. Hence, the perception that it is a sinus headache.

Read more about barometric pressure and headaches.

While many people with recurring "sinus" headaches believe the changes in weather cause their headaches, in reality the barometric changes are causing migraines.

Changes in the weather are the third most common cause of migraine! (First two being stress and hormones.)

Being able to predict barometric changes might allow you to manipulate your medication to diminish the pain. There are many inexpensive barometer clocks available such as

Testing for Sinus Headache

To rule out chronic sinus infections, many doctors will order a CT or CAT scan of the sinuses. This is usually ordered by an ear-nose-throat specialist or ENT.

If the scans are normal, despite the pain around the sinuses, it is not chronic sinusitis. At this point it might be advisable to talk to your physician about possibly getting and MRI of the brain, which will show a more detailed view of the brain than a CT.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The following are symptoms to be aware of if you do indeed have a sinus infection:

Yellowish green thick discharge
Headache in the forehead and around the nose
Nasal congestion and obstruction
Post nasal drip
Fever and/or chills

These symptoms can also be seen with a cold. But if the pain around your face and eyes and the thick nasal discharge continue for more than a week, you may have sinusitis. At this point it most probably is bacterial and would need an antibiotic. Remember: viral infections do NOT respond to antibiotics.

Learn more about sinus headache symptoms and treatment.