Both can cause extreme pain, but many people who think they have a sinus headache may in fact have a migraine, say experts at the University of California’s headache programme.
It’s important to know the difference so they can be treated correctly.
A sinus headache occurs when the lining of the tubes that connect the sinuses to the back of the nose become inflamed so the sinuses can’t drain properly and pressure builds up, causing pain. Some symptoms include:
Throbbing pain, especially in the forehead and behind the cheekbones
Sore, tender face
Pain that gets worse with sudden movement or if you bend forward
Worse pain in the morning, after mucus has built up in the sinuses overnight.
Migraines symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to light and impaired vision.
Migraines are due to blood vessels enlarging and triggering the release of chemicals that can lead to inflammation and pain.
As well as pain that can be made worse by moving, other symptoms include:
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Severe throbbing pain on one side of the head
Impaired vision
Flashing lights.
Take a look at seven ways to beat winter bugs here.
Iamges: Rob Shaw/ bauersyndication.com.au.
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