Migraines can cause pain anywhere on the head and face, though they are often one-sided.
Sinus headaches can also cause facial pain, but they are much less common than migraines.
The key to telling the difference between a sinus headache and a migraine is the presence of other symptoms.
Illustration by Cindy Chung for Verywell Health
Sinus headaches occur alongside a viral or bacterial infection that may cause fever and congestion.
Migraines frequently cause symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity.
This article discusses sinus headaches and migraines and how you could tell the difference between them.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Illustration by Cindy Chung for Verywell Health
What Is a Migraine?
Migraine is a chronic condition that causes frequent headaches.
The headaches can be severe and disabling.
They are often triggered by factors such as hormonal changes, weather, caffeine withdrawal, and certain foods.
Researchers believe genetics play a role in who is more likely to get migraine headaches.
Migraines occur when there is abnormal activity in the brain that leads to changes in brain chemicals and nerves.
These changes affect the flow of blood to the brain, leading to headaches and other symptoms.
True sinus headaches are uncommon and occur alongside a viral or bacterial infection that causes congestion.
This makes it easier to confusemigraine without aurawith a sinus headache.
If you have migraines, it’s important to identify your triggers and avoid them wherever possible.
Ask your healthcare provider about medication that can stop a developing migraine and/or reduce the frequency of your migraines.
If the infection is bacterial, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic.
Over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help with the pain.
Decongestants can help decrease the pressure in your sinuses.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray to help ease swelling and inflammation.
Summary
Sinus headaches and migraines have similar symptoms and are often confused with each other.
Sinus headaches and migraines can often be distinguished from each other based on accompanying symptoms.
Migraines tend to occur along with symptoms like nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity, and aura.
Sinus headaches can occur alongside fever.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Ceriani CE, Silberstein SD.Headache and rhinosinusitis: A review.Cephalalgia.
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Sinus infection.
