SE Valley Times

• One of the most common misdiagnoses is chronic sinusitis and migraine
• The primary cause of migraine is still unknown
• 99% of patients were misdiagnosed at primary care or in the emergency room

As miserable as sinus problems can be on their own, they can also trigger headaches, which are often misdiagnosed as migraines. 

“Sinusitis by definition is inflammation of the sinuses, this is important to note because as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally," Ruiloba said. "Over time chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain, and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life.”

A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain reveals one of the most common misdiagnoses is sinusitis and vice versa, especially if there are affiliated symptoms such as sinus headache, dry sinus headache or a severe sinus headache, WebMD reported. The study concluded that out of 113 participants 106 of them or roughly 81%, were misdiagnosed.   

Sinusitis can "look and feel" like a migraine, leading physicians to sometimes mistake the two conditions, WebMD said.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, both migraine attacks and sinus headaches can cause facial pain, watery eyes, and post-nasal drip. These shared symptoms contribute to the misdiagnosis and self-diagnosis of sinus headaches.                    

 The primary cause of migraine headaches is still unknown.  One study from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Turkey, was conducted to determine the correlation between sinusitis and migraines, only to report that further investigation and a clinical trial are necessary.                   

A study completed by the University of Michigan found that 99% of 114 participants were misdiagnosed as having chronic sinusitis when their diagnosis came from the emergency department, or their primary care physician, Pubmed reported. This indicates the best diagnosis comes from an inflammation specialist.                   

To learn more about sinusitis or to take a sinus assessment click here.