Sinus inflammation can seriously worsen migraine attacks according to a recent presentation by Dr. V. Martin and his colleagues made at the 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society in Los Angeles. Migraines are often mistaken for sinus headaches because pain of migraine is often felt in the area of sinuses and many migraine attacks are accompanied by a clear nasal discharge. These patients will naturally first see an ENT specialist and often undergo treatment with antibiotics and even surgery before the diagnosis of migraine is considered. However, sinus inflammation, both allergic and non-allergic in nature, can coexist and worsen migraines and increase disability caused by migraine according to these new findings. Many neurologists will often dismiss the diagnosis of sinus headaches and proceed with treating only migraine symptoms. On the other hand, many patients and ENT doctors will focus solely on treating sinus disease and ignore the possibility of migraines. As a neurologist, I also tend to be biased in the direction of migraine headaches, however, but now will try to always consider the possible contribution of sinus disease as an aggravating factor. This study may explain why some of my patients with definite migraines will often report at least some improvement from sinus or allergy medications.
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