Headache Profile of Patients Attending Otorhinolaryngology Clinics: Navigating Diagnostic Challenges

Headache is a common complaint among otolaryngology patients, often presenting with an apparent diagnosis of secondary headache due to sinusitis. However, associated symptoms may also be linked to primary headache disorders such as migraines. The overlapping symptomatology of various headache causes poses a diagnostic challenge. The present study aims to evaluate the headache profiles of patients visiting the otolaryngology department.

The present study aims to evaluate the headache profiles of patients visiting the otolaryngology department.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 otolaryngology patients presenting with headaches. The headaches were categorized according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3), based on detailed history, examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies.

Primary headaches were diagnosed in 45.31% of the cases, while 54.69% presented secondary headaches. Sinusitis was the most common diagnosis, found in 40.63% of the patients. Various causes of primary and secondary headaches were correlated and were found to be statistically significant ( p  < 0.001 each). Statistical significance was observed when correlating primary headache with laterality ( p  < 0.001). The correlation of secondary headache with laterality and age range also showed statistical significance ( p  < 0.001 and 0.035 respectively).

Sinonasal symptoms may accompany headaches, with or without a direct causal link. The accurate diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders requires a thorough understanding of the latest guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach. This comprehensive strategy is essential to provide high-quality healthcare and significantly improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from this common and often debilitating condition.