Individuals that suffer from chronic headaches know that these problems can have a negative impact on their lives. The pain can often be so bad that it makes everyday tasks almost impossible for the sufferer. One of the problems that exists in how people treat their headaches is the fact that most people cannot tell whether they have a migraine or a sinus headache. While these types of headaches have some symptoms in common, the best way to relieve the pain may differ depending on what type of headache you have.

The symptoms that these two types of headaches have in common are pain in the head, particularly the forehead, itchy watery eyes and increased pain associated with movement. A migraine tends to differ because it will often be accompanied by pain in the neck, nausea, throbbing pain and sensitivity to light and sound. A sinus headache may also be distinguished by additional symptoms that are related to an illness.

Migraines tend to be marked by the fact that they are severe headaches that are recurrent in the individual. The headaches are actually a symptom of a genetic condition that causes the cranial blood vessels to expand. These headaches are also known to be triggered by factors such as alcohol consumption, weather conditions, menstrual cycles and exposure to bright light.

Sinus headaches are often the result of conditions such as a nasal infection, allergies or a high fever. These conditions can lead to a build-up of mucus in the sinuses that will result in the pressure that causes the sinus headache.

The problem for doctors who are trying to determine between these types of headaches is that they are so similar. Usually a doctor will ask about the frequency of the headaches and if the patient has recently had a cold or any allergy problems. The doctor will also probably follow these questions by examining the patient’s nose to see if there are any signs of infection or congestion.

The treatment for sinus headaches will usually include a combination of decongestants and pain relievers. If the sinus problem is the result of an infection, the doctor might also recommend medication to combat the infection. Some of these methods might provide temporary relief for a migraine sufferer, but the treatment of migraine headaches is different due to their recurring nature.

When it comes to treating migraines, the doctor will usually want to provide the patient with a solution for when the headaches start and methods to help them prevent the headaches and reduce their frequency. Doctors may prescribes drugs that are specially made for relieving the pain of migraine headaches and they will probably also recommend some changes in the individual’s lifestyle to help them to avoid further headaches.

Knowing the difference between a migraine headache and a sinus headache will probably make the difference in regard to getting the right treatment. Even within these two different categories, some treatments might work better for different individuals. If you are having headache problems, try to record the symptoms and the frequency with which the headaches occur. This information can help the doctor to find the correct diagnosis and in turn, help them to find the best method of treatment.