Sinus Headaches vs Migraines

Headaches are an unfortunately common part of life. You’ve likely experienced many tension headaches, which are the most prevalent kinds of headaches, caused by external stimuli like noise, light, and sound, a lack of sleep, or even dehydration. Did you know that there are multiple types of headaches — and some may require specialized diagnosis and treatment?

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Two of the most severe types of headaches and headache-like conditions include sinus headaches and migraines. Both can be extremely painful, but it’s important to distinguish between the two in order to treat the pain effectively with the help of your provider.

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Read on to discover the key differences between migraines and sinus headaches and how to tell which one you may be experiencing.

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What Is a Migraine? 

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A migraine though often miscategorized as a ‘very bad’ headache, is actually a neurological disorder that causes intense pain, usually on one side of the head. It often comes with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last for hours or even days and can become severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

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Migraines are different from regular headaches because they can be more severe and can come with warning signs, such as flashes of light in your vision or tingling sensations.

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The American Migraine Foundation has estimated that  40 million or more U.S. adults have migraines. 

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The Differences Between Migraines and Sinus Headaches

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Migraines and sinus headaches have different causes and symptoms. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, bright lights, or certain foods. Symptoms include throbbing pain and sometimes seeing flashing lights.

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Sinus headaches, on the other hand, are caused by an infection or blockage in the sinus cavities, often from a cold or allergies. The pain is usually concentrated around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. It may worsen when you move your head or bend over and is often accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose and facial pressure.

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Whenever you experience intense pain or aches in your face and head, it’s important to log your symptoms and share these with your provider as soon as possible, as there may be an infection requiring treatment, or other underlying causes requiring immediate medical attention. Typically, normal headaches will subside with over-the-counter medications, fluids, and rest — and if your head pain isn’t it may be a sign of something more serious like a migraine or sinus headache. Your provider can give you helpful tools and advice to help avoid these painful conditions in the future or treat them if and when they happen.

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As with any illness or pain you experience, it’s important to log your symptoms and daily activities and share your log with your provider. This close level of collaboration will make all the difference in diagnosing your condition quickly and beginning treatment so you can feel better, faster.

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The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace direct medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

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Sources: 

“Headache.” Mayo Clinic.

“How to Know if You Have Migraine or Sinus Headache.” The American Migraine Foundation.