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Severe
Sinus Headache Could Be Migraine
NEW
YORK (Reuters Health) - Patients complaining of severe sinus headaches
may actually be suffering from migraines, according to new research
presented here recently at the 10th International Headache Congress.
Investigators
with the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri found that
in a small study, many patients with self-described sinus headache
had symptoms consistent with migraine.
Dr. Curtis
P. Schreiber, co-author of the study, said that patients may not
be able to distinguish the symptoms of sinus headache from those
of migraine, because both can cause nasal drainage and may be
brought on by changes in weather or season.
In addition,
patients may assume that because they don't experience aura, the
flashing lights or other sights or smells that can be harbingers
of the excruciating headaches, they are not having a migraine.
However, most migraine episodes are not preceded by aura, Schreiber
said.
``Many patients
presume that their symptoms are caused by problems with the sinuses
themselves,'' Schreiber said. ``What may actually be happening
is that the trigeminal nerve, which has branches in the forehead,
cheeks and jaw, may have become inflamed.''
Schreiber
and his colleagues recruited 30 adults with self-described sinus
headache for their study. Each participant had reported at least
six headaches in the past 6 months. Patients had also experienced
either moderate to severe head pain, sensitivity to light or sound,
or nausea and vomiting.
The researchers
examined and tested the patients and found that 29 of 30 study
participants (97%) had symptoms of migraine. The investigators
also reported that 57% of these patients were not satisfied with
their current treatments.
``Many of
our patients consequently responded very well to migraine-specific
treatments,'' Schreiber said. ``We may find more effective ways
to relieve patients' pain and get them back to their normal activities
sooner.''
Schreiber
encouraged patients to consult their physicians for an accurate
diagnosis so that effective treatment may be administered.
The study
was funded by a grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
Reference
Source 89
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