The Difference Between Migraine and Sinus Headache

Your head is pounding, your nose is running, and your face feels as if it's being squeezed in a vise. It seems like every other day or so a sinus headache lays you low. You down a couple of over-the-counter pain pills and try to soldier on, wondering if you should call your doctor for another round of the antibiotics he may have prescribed the last time this happened.

You're right to see your doctor, but do be prepared to possibly find out that your sinuses aren't to blame for your headaches. There's a very good chance you're having migraines rather than head pain caused by an infection (sinusitis) or by seasonal allergies, all of which share a constellation of similar symptoms.

And if that's the case, you're in good company: Nearly 90 percent of people who believe they have sinus headaches, whether they diagnose themselves or are diagnosed by a doctor, actually have migraines, studies have shown.

Other research has found these patients can go for years without a correct diagnosis or proper treatment. If you suffer from frequent sinus headaches that don't seem to get better with treatment, talk to your doctor about the possibility you're having migraines instead.

Striking Similarities

When you consider the criteria used to diagnose migraine headaches and those caused by a sinus infection, which can be caused by either virus, bacteria, or seasonal allergies, it's easy to see why the latter often is mistaken for the former.

These symptoms are among those often shared by the two conditions:

• Head pain that gets more intense when you lean forward
• Congestion
• A runny nose
• Facial pressure

It may be obvious, but it's important to note that the type of migraine that's most often mistaken for a sinus headache is migraine without aura—that is, a migraine without any preceding visual or other sensory disturbances.

Distinguishing Differences

Despite the similarities between sinus headaches and migraines without aura, the two conditions actually have several markedly different symptoms and characteristics. That's why even if you're convinced your headaches are due to a sinus infection or similar ailment, it's a good idea to not write them off as such and attempt to treat yourself.

This is especially important if you're experiencing any of the symptoms in this snapshot of main differences between migraines and sinus headaches:

Common Migraine Symptoms

Aside from the head pain itself, most people who have frequent migraines also experience an array of other symptoms:

• Nausea and/or vomiting: These are so prevalent, anti-emetics (medications for relieving nausea and vomiting) often are a part of treatment for migraine.
• Runny nose: Color and consistency of nasal discharge are key to distinguishing a migraine from a sinus infection: If this symptom occurs with a migraine, the discharge will be clear and thin—more like what you might experience when you walk outside on a frigid day even when you aren't ill.
• Heightened sensory symptoms: A person having a migraine may experience sensitivity to light (photophobia) so extreme that he or she will need to lie down in a dark room. Similarly, during a migraine, otherwise innocuous odors may be perceived as vile, and noises may seem unbearably loud.
• Ear or upper tooth pain: Ear and upper tooth pain may affect those suffering from a migraine.

Common Sinus Headache Symptoms

• Fever: You won't always run a temperature when you have a headache caused by sinusitis, but it's a distinct possibility, especially if the infection is caused by a bacteria rather than a virus. In that case, an antibiotic actually may be in order to knock out the bacteria.
• Purulent nasal discharge: A thick, yellowish or greenish discharge (pus) is a sign of infection.
• Ear or upper tooth pain: Ear and upper tooth pain are common complaints in those suffering from a sinus infection.

A Word From Verywell

Armed with a basic understanding of the most common and obvious differences between migraine headache without aura and headaches caused by a sinus infection, you should be able to make an educated guess about which is most likely to be causing your headaches. That said, even if you feel absolutely certain you have sinus headaches rather than migraines, see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. This way you'll be sure to get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.

Migraine Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Download PDF

Email the Guide

Send to yourself or a loved one.

Sign Up

This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}.

There was an error. Please try again.