Nasal foreign body presenting as unilateral headache

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Recurrent unilateral headaches in children can stem from various causes, necessitating a thorough diagnostic approach.
• Foreign bodies in the pediatric nasal cavity are common, but their association with headaches is less frequently reported.
• Diagnostic nasal endoscopy is a key tool for visualizing intranasal structures and identifying potential pathologies.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old female presented with a four-month history of right-sided recurrent headaches.
• Diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed a metallic foreign body impacted between the superior turbinate, middle turbinate, and nasal septum.
• The foreign body was successfully removed using a pediatric nasal endoscope.

Findings:

• The impacted metallic foreign body was identified as the cause of the child's unilateral headaches.
• Complete resolution of headache symptoms occurred immediately following the foreign body's removal.
• This case underscores a rare but significant etiology for recurrent pediatric headaches.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider intranasal foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of recurrent, unilateral headaches in children.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through nasal endoscopy can lead to prompt treatment and symptom resolution.
• This case contributes to the literature on unusual presentations of foreign body impaction in pediatric patients.