Faclal
pain and Headaches
Many
of the patients
I see complain
of facial pain
and headaches.
A large number
of these patients
have seen multiple
physicians over
the years and
have been incorrectly
diagnosed with
migraine headaches,
tension headaches
and various
other incorrect
labels.
Patients
often tell
me that they
experience
“sinus”
or “frontal”
headaches
with associated
facial pain
and pressure.
These are
headaches
that have
a “butterfly”
distribution
where the
headache is
centered across
the forehead
between the
eyes and on
the mid face.
These types
of headaches can be associated
with sinus
infections
but more often
than not,
they are associated
with nasal
obstruction
(inability
to breath
through the
nose). This
nasal obstruction
problem is
due to a deviated
septum.
How
do I treat
facial pain
and headaches?
First and
foremost,
we need to
rule out a
current sinus
infection.
Through a
detailed medical
history, a
review of
all of the
patient’s
current symptoms
and a thorough
nasal exam
I will determine
whether we
are dealing
with an active
sinus infection
or nasal obstruction
problem. A
sinus x-ray
may also be
done to truly
assess the
sinus status.
If I determine
that there
is a nasal
obstruction
problem a
course of
nasal steroid
sprays is
prescribed.
Those that
do not respond
to this treatment
are offered
sinus surgery
options.
Symptoms
of Nasal Obstruction
-Facial
Pain and Headaches
-Excessive
Snoring and
Sleep Apnea
-Recurrent
Ear Infections,
Dizziness
-Sinus Infections
-Chronic fatigue
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