Sinus Headache Relief in Corpus Christi, TX
Facial pain and headache are among the most common symptoms reported by patients seeking ENT evaluation. ‘Sinus headache’ is widely used, but true headache caused by sinus disease is less common than many patients assume. A significant proportion of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines or tension-type headaches presenting with facial pain and pressure. Accurate diagnosis is essential. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss takes a systematic approach to evaluating facial pain and headache.
What Is a True Sinus Headache?
A true sinus headache is caused by acute rhinosinusitis active bacterial or viral sinus inflammation. It occurs in the context of sinus infection symptoms: facial congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and fever. The pain is a dull ache or pressure localized to the affected sinus, worsening when bending forward. True sinus headaches are relatively uncommon as isolated complaints and are rarely chronic.
Pain Location by Affected Sinus
- Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheekbones): pain or pressure over the cheeks, upper teeth, or under the eyes
- Frontal sinuses (above the eyes): forehead pain worsening with leaning forward
- Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes): pain at the bridge of the nose or behind the eyes
- Sphenoid sinuses (deep behind the nose): deep, central headache at the vertex or behind the eyes
Distinguishing Sinus Headache from Migraine
Studies show that up to 90 percent of patients who self-report sinus headaches meet diagnostic criteria for migraine. Migraine commonly produces nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and facial pressure through trigeminal nerve activation. Features suggesting migraine include:
- Throbbing or pulsating quality
- Nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound
- Response to triptans or caffeine
- Absence of fever or purulent nasal discharge
- Moderate to severe intensity worsening with physical activity
- Predictable recurrence pattern without active sinus infection
Contact Point Headache
Nasal contact point headache occurs when inflamed or anatomically aberrant nasal structures make contact with an opposing mucosal surface, triggering facial pain through trigeminal nerve stimulation. Diagnosed by nasal endoscopy and CT imaging; may be amenable to surgical correction.
Evaluation and Treatment
Dr. Weiss performs a complete nasal endoscopic examination, reviews imaging, and takes a detailed headache history to differentiate sinogenic from non-sinogenic causes. Treatment is directed at the confirmed underlying cause: active infection, chronic sinusitis, nasal contact point, or migraine. When migraine or another primary headache disorder is the primary diagnosis, appropriate neurologic referral is coordinated.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If facial pain or headaches are affecting your quality of life, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule an evaluation.