Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinus Headache Symptoms?

by Megan
(Richton Park, IL)

I've been having an issue with a nagging headache around me left eye, forehead area, and jaw bone. What initially felt like a sinus issue then felt like a cold stemmed from this. Also, my back tooth is in pain on the same side and oddly enough it never hurt before.

I've tried to take sinus medication and ibuprofen. It feel like the sinuses are clearing up, but the headache persists. I recently lost my job and I have no medical insurance. Can someone PLEASE help me?

Thank you,

Megan

Answer

Hi Megan,

So sorry you lost your job! I suspect as a result that you are under increased stress which is the most common cause of both tension and migraines.

One other cause of this type of headache could be tmj syndrome or temporal mandibular joint syndrome. Again this can be due to stress as it comes from grinding the teeth at night while sleeping. That would explain the sore tooth.

Ibuprofen or Aleve may help with the inflammation, but the best treatment is a bite guard to wear at night. Most pharmacies carry these now so you should be able to find one. I don't think the sinus medication is helping and in the long run it can actually make headaches worse so I would stop it.

Because you are grinding the teeth at night, this affects the trigeminal nerve on the right side of the head and refers pain from the jaw to the forehead.

If you do not improve, you may have to see the doctor and consider a short course of medication that is an anti-spasmotic to take at night time.

Good luck!

Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-C

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Sinus Headache Symptoms

by Nina L.
(st. joseph, MO. USA)

Recurring Headache Causes

My name is Nina, 28, working mother of 2 kids.I have had headaches everyday for at least 3 years.

At first I was prescribed anti-biotic, which helped for about 8 months. The headaches came back, so I went to a chiropractor- which provided some relief; but never solved the problem. I have recently been to a ENT who has referred me to a neurologist.

Can you give me some advise as to what my headache problem can be and what might be the cause of it? What would be the best method of curing my affliction.

Answer:

Hi Nina,

It is a little difficult to tell exactly what type of headache you may be having. Review the different types of headaches at the link I posted.

If someone keeps putting you on antibiotics then they are assuming you have "sinus" headaches or infections. This is a common misdiagnosis of migraine. Unless you have a history of multiple sinus surgeries creating sinus inflammation you most likely do not have this. Many times sinus headache symptoms are confused with migraine as 40% of migraines can start around the nose and in the middle of the forehead.

If you have not had any imaging studies, a baseline MRI of the brain would be a good idea. I would agree with the ENT doctor (who probably suspects some sort of chronic migraine) that you need to see a neurologist. Try to find one in your area who specializes in headache. There are a few headache clinics in your area.

Treatment is based on your diagnosis from the neurologist, but it doesn't sound like you have been on appropriate medication yet. Beware of using OTC meds such as Excedrine, Tylenol, Advil or Motrin for this headache. In the long run this makes headaches worse and is known as analgesic rebound headache syndrome.

Good luck!
Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-C

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Does the scenerio above sound like you? If not, or if you think you need more information please read about different types of headaches to find out which type of headache you are experiencing.

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