Sinus Headaches – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Headache Types
Telling the difference between sinusitis headaches and migraines can be challenging. Many people who seek medical help for what they believe are sinus headaches actually have migraines.
Both conditions cause pain that worsens when bending forward. However, there are important differences that can help you identify which type of headache you might have:
Key Differences:
| Symptom | Sinusitis | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal discharge | Thick, discolored | Clear, watery |
| Duration | Days or longer | Hours to 1–2 days |
| Occurs after | Viral infection or cold | Various triggers |
| Sensitivity | Not typically affected by light or sound | Worse with noise and bright lights |
| Nausea/vomiting | Uncommon | Common |
| Other symptoms | Decreased sense of smell | Autonomic nervous system involvement |
Sinusitis headaches often cause pain in one cheek or upper teeth. They typically follow a cold or respiratory infection.
Migraines can include nasal symptoms like congestion and facial pressure due to how they affect the autonomic nervous system. This overlap explains why these conditions are frequently confused.
