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Published on: June 2, 2014
Sphenoid sinusitis masquerading as migraine headaches in children
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 77030, USA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 12, 2002
Summary
Isolated sphenoid sinusitis, a rare condition, often presents as headache in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a rare condition, accounting for approximately 2.7% of all sinus infections.
- Often termed the "neglected sinus," it can lead to severe complications if not managed promptly.
Observation:
- Headache is the most frequent symptom, though its pattern is not specific.
- Three pediatric cases with isolated sphenoid sinusitis presented with varied headache durations: acute, subacute, and chronic.
Findings:
- The trigeminal nerve's ophthalmic and maxillary branches innervate the sphenoid sinus, potentially explaining headache pathophysiology via a trigeminovascular mechanism.
- Modern neuroimaging aids in diagnosing this previously under-recognized disorder.
Implications:
- Differentiating sphenoid sinusitis from migraine headaches can be challenging.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children lead to favorable outcomes with minimal morbidity.
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