Friday, March 26, 2010 Pal asks

Q: Do I have sinus or migraine?

I get 2-3 really bad headaches in a month. The pain is most pronounced at -

the centre of the forehead, where the eyebrows meet
all around the eyes on the bone structure (cheek bones)
Several times at one side of the head or even all over the scalp

I get unbearable pain and have been experiencing eye strain lately.

I have always been working on the computer so I dont understand why it should happen now. Frankly I do not relate it to computers but when I step away from the computer, it does reduce eye strain I agree.

The headache is similar to sinus so I'm not sure whether its a sinus or a migraine.

I have tried taking a Cetrizine thinking it was an allergy even tried 2 crocins at a time (Indian equivalent to tylenol) and it usually helps. But today it did not work with all of them. I had terrible headache and pain all day almost.

Please help me identify if this is migraine, sinus, an allergic reaction or what?

How do I deal with it? Please note that I am severely allergic to most drugs & all NSAIDs so I cannot use painkillers particularly Ibuprofen's.

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Answers (1)

Teri Robert, Health Guide

3/27/10 12:47pm

Pat,

-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-

Sinus headache, unless you have a sinus infection, is very rare. In nearly 90% of cases, what people think are sinus headaches are actually Migraines. You can read more about this in Sinuses Giving You a Headache? It's Probably a Migraine.

Nobody can tell you via the Internet what this headache is. The only person who can do that is a doctor who can review your and your family's medical history, discuss your symptoms with you, and conduct a complete examination. Nobody can diagnose via the Internet.

You don't have to live like this. Please see your doctor for diagnosis and help. If your doctor isn't able to help, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

Would you please keep me posted on how things go for you?

Welcome again,

Teri

Pal

3/28/10 2:52pm

Teri,

You just scared me... You mean to say I have migraine? All this while I was thinking it was a simple sinus. But the severity has increased to the point where I need intervention. Is it possible for a migraine to be relieved instantly by steam inhalations with eucalyptus oil? I noticed when I take steam inhalations with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in it, immediately my sinuses open up, the fluid drains out and I get instant relief. Its not always possible to take steam inhalations every time I have the migraine as I am at work for most part of the day.

I genuinely appreciate your answer. I think I should see a headache / migraine specialist though I dont think we have any here, though I'll start looking for one soon.

Thank You.

Pal

Teri Robert, Health Guide

3/28/10 3:01pm

Oh, Pal!

I didn't mean to scare you. I can't diagnose, but the research data certainly indicates a high possibility of Migraine.

Get a diagnosis, then come back and let us help you. OK? Most of the people you see here have really severe cases of Migraine. That's really not the norm though. If it is Migraine, we can help you work on determining your triggers. That's helpful, especially if any of them can be avoided.

Please keep me posted?

Teri

Pal

5/28/10 11:29am

Yes Teri, I have been detected with migraine.

The headache and migraine specialist suggested some medications; 1 for 5 days and 2 for a month. The only problem is I feel very low, lethargic and drowsy. Can the migraine medication do this? The doctor says it cant but I can most positively feel the difference immediately after the meds.

I still do not know my triggers. I get the migraine between 10-11 am everyday and post lunch. The meds have helped to control the pain but the drowsiness and low feeling does not go away.

Q: Do I have sinus or migraine?

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