Sinus Headache vs. Migraine: Understanding Light Sensitivity

The symptoms of sinus headaches and migraine headaches are commonly confused. In fact, a 2007 study published in "Headache: The Journal of Face and Head Pain" revealed that the majority of self-diagnosed sinus headache sufferers actually suffer from migraine headaches. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common feature of migraine headaches.

Sinus Headaches

• Sensitivity to light, or photophobia, is not a characteristic of a true sinus headache. Symptoms of sinus headaches include nasal discharge, fever, facial pressure and a decreased ability to smell.

Migraines

• Migraine headaches are characterized by intense throbbing pain usually located on one side of the head. Migraine pain is often accompanied by photophobia as well as sensitivity to sound, nausea and vomiting. Migraine pain normally intensifies with activity.

Causes

• Migraine headaches are caused by a variety of different triggers, including foods, changes in barometric pressure, changes in sleep patterns and changes in hormone levels. Sinus headaches usually develop as a result of a sinus infection or allergies. Chronic sinus headaches may indicate a more serious concern.

Treatments

• Migraine headaches are treated with a variety of medications including over-the-counter pain relievers, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, triptans and preventative regimens. Sinus headaches may be treated with a combination of pain medications for the headache as well as antibiotics or antihistamines to treat the underlying sinus inflammation.

Warnings

• Only a licensed medical practitioner can make an accurate medical diagnosis of migraine or sinus headaches.