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Are your sinus headaches really migraines? Key differences between migraine and sinus pain

Those with a tendency to get headaches on a repeating basis — generally centered around the forehead or eyes — jump to the obvious conclusion that a sinus issue is to blame. Both share similar symptoms such as facial pressure and weather sensitivity, leading to mistaken diagnoses. But the nuances in the distinction between these types of ailments can make or break treatment appropriately

August 29, 2025 / 13:04 IST
Not all headaches in the face or forehead are due to sinus trouble—many are migraines in disguise. Knowing the difference could save you years of unnecessary treatment. (Image: Pexels)

Headaches rank among the most frequent complaints, yet locating the specific cause can prove to be surprisingly difficult. When experiencing headaches often, many people always think that sinus problems have to do with them—especially if the pain is in the forehead, eyes, or cheeks. But both research and clinical experience reveals that a significant portion of so-called "sinus headaches" are poor disguises of migraine.

Both conditions can cause facial pain, pressure, and sensitivity to weather changes making a misdiagnosis common. This confusion can result in unnecessary treatments such as antibiotics for sinus infections that do not exist and meanwhile the true culprit of the underlying problem, the migraine, goes unrecognized and untreated. The result? Constant pain, repeating bouts, and a diminished quality of life.

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According to Dr Kamakshi Dhamija, Senior Consultant - Neurology (Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro Immunology), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, "It is important to be aware of what sets apart a headache occurring due to migraine from a true sinuses headache, as these conditions often coexist.

According to her, Migraines are a unique neurological condition, whereas, sinus headaches are almost always associated with an active sinus infection making sinus headaches rarer than migrating headaches. By understanding the differences between these conditions, as well as how to know when or if to get medical attention, patients can save themselves years of trouble and find relief with the right therapy.

Why the Confusion Happens

At first glance, migraines and sinus headaches may seem similar. Both can cause:

-Head ache or a feeling of feeling weight or stress in your temple, eyes or nostril

-Swollen sensation or pressure in the face

-Light Sensitivity or Intolerance to Weather Changes

-Because the symptoms overlap, one falls prey to believing they have a sinus problem when it is, in fact, a neurological problem.

How Migraines Differ

A migraine is not just a really bad headache; it is a neurological disorder. Key distinguishing features include:

-Moderate to severe pulsating or throbbing pain, most often on one side of the head

-Nausea and/or vomiting

-More sensitive to light, sound, or smell

-Exacerbating symptoms with activity

-Weeks-long or days-long episodes♪(sound)

-While sinus headaches are usually pretty localized, many migraines have associated systemic symptoms that make it hard to do any normal daily activities.

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What About True Sinus Headaches?

It is uncommon to have true sinus headaches and they arise only in conjunction with real, physical sinus infection (sinusitis). These headaches usually present with:

-Nasal discharge, often thick and yellow or green

-Fever and general malaise

-An exacerbation of pain during flexion

-Facial swelling or tenderness

Why Correct Diagnosis Matters

Some of the main reasons that migraines are treated as sinus issues include:

-Unnecessary use of antibiotics

-Continued suffering and worsening headaches

-Poor access to treatment acute migraine attacks and preventive care

A correct diagnosis enables specialists to prescribe an appropriate medicine, recommend lifestyle adjustments, and start preventive therapy if necessary.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
first published: Aug 29, 2025 01:03 pm

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