Sinusitis Migraine

A migraine headache is defined as a form of vascular headache which is caused by the enlargement of blood vessels and cause the release of chemicals from the nerves to coil around the large arteries of the brain lasting anywhere from hours to days.  When the nerves that coil around the arteries are stretched this causes the painful chemicals to release and also activates the sympathetic nervous system.  Any increase in the sympathetic nervous system can result in a delay in intestinal absorption, a decrease in blood circulation which impacts pallor as well as causing cold hands and feet.  The inflammation that takes place during a sinusitis infection can cause a migraine to develop as the sinus area is very close to the brain, in particular the frontal sinuses as well as the sphenoid.  Enlargement in the mucus membranes or vascular tissues in the sinus area which is very close to the brain can trigger headaches and migraines.  It is therefore not uncommon for the two entities, sinusitis and migraines, that do not appear to be related to occur for some people at the same time. 

·         A sinusitis migraine can then develop as a result of the inflammation caused by the inflammation in the sinus passages.  In addition, a migraine can be confused with sinusitis as nasal discharge can also accompany a migraine.  However, those who suffer with migraines tend to know when a migraine is coming on due to a change in vision or aura; seeing dark patterns or wavy lines in the corner of the eyes.

A migraine activates the sympathetic nervous system which controls fight or flight response.  Those suffering with a migraine can experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and extreme sensitivity to light.  A headache also known as cephalgia is a lesser form of a migraine.  A headache is pain in the head or neck region that may occur on one or both sides of the head, or it can be isolated in a particular location, radiating across the head from one point and have a vise like quality.  Migraines are more severe than headaches which can cause debilitating pain that can range from a dull, sharp or throbbing pain.  The sinusitis migraine can appear suddenly or come on gradually and is experienced in the forehead, eyes, or the teeth with a stuffy nose and congestion.  A sinus headache is one of the main reasons people visit a doctor.  Migraines and headaches commonly occur as a result of irritation to the blood vessels or meninges.  The brain does not experience pain because it does not have pain receptor sites.  The neck and head recognize pain and also possess extracranial arteries, spinal nerves, cranial nerves and the meninges.  A sinusitis headache is an inflammatory condition of the sinus cavities that can trigger a migraine.  A sinus migraine may develop due to irritation of the nerves surrounding the sinus areas that are inflamed.  If the sinusitis migraine or headache is caused by a blockage of foreign debris or excess mucus, there will likely be a fever.  Physicians will often utilize CT scans or an MRI to determine if there is a blockage in the sinuses.

Migraine medications

There are several treatment options to address the pain of a sinusitis migraine headache which focus on symptom relief.  Analgesics are often recommended or prescribed.  Analgesics, like Alieve or Advil Migraine, Excedrin Migrain are mild over the counter anti-inflammatories can be taken but due to the severity of the migraine pain will be taken in combination with other medications.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, as well as Triptans such as Zomig, Frova and Ergots such as Cafergot are the medications typically utilized by those coping with a migraine.  When the pain is not managed, migraine sufferers can be prescribed opiates if they are unable to take Triptans.  Those suffering with migraines need a dark quiet place to rest while the episode is active.

If analgesics fail to provide adequate pain relief an antihistamine will be recommended such as Benadryl or Sudafed to assist with reducing sinus inflammation.  Antihistamines are helpful in clearing up excess mucus from allergic reactions that often trigger sinusitis as well as clearing the headache that can accompany a sinusitis infection.  Antihistamines are “any drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine, used especially in the treatment of allergies.”  Any treatment that attacks the cause of the inflammation will be helpful in eradicating the sinusitis headache.  The most common treatment methods used to treat a sinusitis infection are oral antibiotics, decongestants, nasal sprays, and of course rest, drinking plenty of fluids to flush the system, as well as using warm compresses and inhaling warm water vapor to alleviate pain and pressure in the face. 

Many physicians prescribe oral antibiotics to treat sinusitis.  Oral antibiotics are currently the most common treatment prescribed for a sinusitis infection and yet they are marginally effective.  Oral antibiotics unfortunately rely on the blood stream and blood vessels exclusively to carry medication to the infected sinus cavity.  Relying on the sinus cavities to provide the medication through the limited supply of blood vessels is problematic as the blood vessels cannot deliver an effective dose of medication to the actual site of infection.  Recurrent sinusitis infections are common with the use of oral antibiotics due to the blood vessels inability to provide an effective dose to the site of infection.  The sinus cavities scant supply of blood vessels which are swollen and infected providing all the treatment to the infection results in an ineffective method for treating this area of the body.   In short, it is difficult to effectively treat any sinusitis infection with oral antibiotics. During a sinusitis migraine infection, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system interferes with emptying the stomach into the intestine and prevents oral medication from entering the intestine and prevents absorption.  Any increase in sympathetic activity is known to interfere with any oral medication.

Treat the sinus infection that causes the migraine!

Sinus Dynamics offers the most innovative and effective treatment for sinusitis infections.  Sinus Dynamics custom compounded antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories are delivered with a pressurized aerosolized mist through a state of the art nebulizer into the sinus cavities.  Sinus Dynamics nebulizer emits a fine medicated mist with 3.2-micron particle size that can rapidly enter the inflamed sinus cavities, depositing medication and making contact with the infection directly. The aerosolized medicated mist is sent up into nasal passages reaching the actual site of the sinusitis infection, fighting the infection on contact.  Sinus Dynamics’ topical approach to treating sinusitis is particularly effective as medications that are topically applied result in little to no side effects and ensure a low systemic absorption rate as well as reaching the site of infection unlike the other treatment methods prescribed.  Sinus Dynamics sinus therapy is highly effective, easy to use, and safe with a 98% success rate in the treatment of patients who are suffering with sinusitis.  If you are suffering with a sinusitis migraine call Sinus Dynamics today to begin treatment and quick relief! (877) 447-4276

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