Can Sinus Problems Cause Headaches or Migraines?

Understanding the Difference—and When to See a Specialist

If you experience pressure or pain around your forehead, eyes, or cheeks, it’s easy to assume you’re dealing with a sinus headache. While sinus problems can cause head pain, many people are surprised to learn that true sinus headaches are actually uncommon. In many cases, what feels like a sinus issue is actually a migraine or another type of headache.

Understanding the difference can help you get the right treatment faster—and avoid unnecessary medications.

How Sinus Problems Can Cause Headaches

True sinus headaches occur when the sinus cavities become inflamed and blocked, most often due to acute sinusitis (a sinus infection). When the sinuses fill with mucus and pressure builds, it can cause pain in specific areas of the face.

Common Symptoms of a True Sinus Headache

• Pressure or pain in the forehead, cheeks, or between the eyes
• Facial tenderness or swelling
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Reduced sense of smell
• Fever (in cases of infection)
• Pain that worsens when bending forward 

When these symptoms resolve, the headache usually resolves as well.

Why Migraines Are Often Mistaken for Sinus Headaches

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, research shows that over 80% of patients who believed they had sinus headaches actually met the diagnostic criteria for migraines.

Why Migraines Are Confusing

• Pain may occur around the eyes, nose, or forehead
• Nasal congestion or runny nose may be present
• Weather changes, strong smells, or allergies can trigger attacks
• Facial pressure may be intense

Because of this overlap, many people treat migraines with sinus medications that don’t actually address the root cause.

Key Differences: Sinus Headache vs. Migraine

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for finding the right treatment.

Sinus headaches and migraines can share overlapping symptoms, such as facial pressure and nasal congestion, but they are caused by different conditions and require different treatments.

A sinus headache results from infection or inflammation in the sinuses. It is consistently associated with thick, discolored nasal discharge and produces a constant, dull pressure or feeling of fullness in the face. Additional symptoms may include fever, facial tenderness, and dental pain. Sinus headaches typically improve when the underlying sinus infection or inflammation is treated.

A migraine, by contrast, is a neurological condition. It is characterized by throbbing or pulsating head pain and is commonly accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, clear or watery nasal discharge. Unlike sinus headaches, migraines respond only to migraine-specific treatments.

This distinction is important because treating the wrong condition can delay symptom relief.

Other Sinus Conditions That Can Cause Head Pain

Not all sinus-related head pain is caused by infection. Other conditions include:

• Chronic sinusitis: Long-term inflammation causing persistent pressure
• Deviated septum: Structural blockage preventing normal drainage
• Nasal polyps: Soft tissue growths that obstruct airflow
• Allergic rhinitis: Chronic inflammation triggered by allergens

A thorough evaluation by a sinus doctor can help identify which condition is responsible and guide appropriate treatment.

Finding the Right Care for Long-Term Relief in Schaumburg and Rockford, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana

Not all headaches are sinus-related—but when they are, accurate diagnosis makes all the difference. If you’re dealing with ongoing facial pain or recurring sinus symptoms, consulting a sinus doctor in Schaumburg, Rockford, or South Bend can help determine whether your discomfort is due to sinus disease, migraines, or another underlying condition.

Early evaluation leads to more effective treatment and lasting relief. Call (773) 234-5880 to schedule a consultation.