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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Difference Between Migraine And Sinus Infection?

Hello, how can I tell the difference between a migraine and sinus infection? I have a long history of recurrent sinus infections every 2 months. I have been on migraine medication for 3 years and have not found anyone that really help the pain. ER doctors give me Migraine cocktail, but topomax, Elavil and Neurontin does not seem to work. Please help Miranda
Fri, 5 Jun 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hi I did review your concern.
Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between headache due to migraine and headache due to sinus infection.
The important clinical differentiating point is that headache due to sinusitis generally also has concomitant pain when pressed over the sinuses.
You can check that yourself by pressing on both sides close to your nose and above your eyes for sinus tenderness.
Another evaluation is sinusitis is CT scan of paranasal sinuses.
Also if ELAVIL and neurontin are not working it is more likely for sinus headache than migraine.
I would recommend you consult a ENT doctor and get your self evaluated for sinus infection and management of sinus drainage.
I hope this helps.
Wish you all the best.
Thank you for choosing healthcaremagic.
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What Is The Difference Between Migraine And Sinus Infection?

Hi I did review your concern. Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between headache due to migraine and headache due to sinus infection. The important clinical differentiating point is that headache due to sinusitis generally also has concomitant pain when pressed over the sinuses. You can check that yourself by pressing on both sides close to your nose and above your eyes for sinus tenderness. Another evaluation is sinusitis is CT scan of paranasal sinuses. Also if ELAVIL and neurontin are not working it is more likely for sinus headache than migraine. I would recommend you consult a ENT doctor and get your self evaluated for sinus infection and management of sinus drainage. I hope this helps. Wish you all the best. Thank you for choosing healthcaremagic.