Paranasal sinus pathologies in patients presenting with headache as the primary symptom

Headache is a frequent symptom of lesions in the paranasal sinuses. Although some inflammatory symptoms are suggestive of pathologies of the paranasal sinuses, occasional headache is sometimes the major presenting symptom. In a retrospective study, we examined the chart histories of 36 patients presenting for treatment at our hospital from 1 January 1992 to 30 June 2001 who were diagnosed as having pathologies of the paranasal sinuses with the primary symptom being headache. All patients had been evaluated with complete otolaryngological and neurological examinations, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, and sinus computed tomographic (CT) scans. Sinus surgery was arranged after failure in performing appropriate medical treatment. Among the 36 patients, 33 showed significant improvement after sinus operation (92%). A paranasal sinus aetiology of headache is an important factor in the differential diagnosis of chronic headache. Those patients who are clinically suspected of having headaches arising from paranasal sinus pathology should receive comprehensive otorhinolaryngological examination and evaluation. Nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans are good diagnostic tools. Surgical management may be beneficial in those for whom medical treatment fails to resolve the problem.