Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: How to Tell the Difference

If you’ve ever felt pressure behind your eyes, pain in your cheeks or forehead, or a stuffy nose along with a throbbing headache, you’re not alone in thinking, “It must be my sinuses.” But many people confuse migraines with sinus headaches—and getting the right diagnosis is key to feeling better.

The Overlap: Why the Confusion?

Sinus headaches and migraines share several symptoms, including:

• Facial pressure or pain
  
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
  
• Headache in the forehead, around the eyes, or cheeks
  
• Sensitivity to light or sound
  

This overlap makes it tricky to know what’s really going on. But there are a few important clues that can help differentiate the two.

Key Differences Between Sinus Headaches and Migraines

When It’s a True Sinus Problem

If your headaches come with signs of infection—like fever, thick nasal discharge, and facial tenderness—or happen during allergy season, you may actually be dealing with a sinus issue. Chronic sinusitis or nasal obstruction can cause recurring sinus pressure headaches, especially if your nasal passages aren't draining properly.

In these cases, ENT evaluation can help. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, we offer advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive solutions like Balloon Sinuplasty, Vivaer® nasal airway remodeling, and Clarifix® for chronic rhinitis.

When Sinus Treatment Can Help

You might benefit from sinus treatment if:

• Over-the-counter headache or allergy meds don’t relieve your symptoms
  
• You frequently feel “sick” with sinus pressure but no real cold
  
• You’ve had sinus infections or postnasal drip for weeks
  
• Your headaches improve after antibiotics or decongestants
  

Not Sure Which One You Have? We Can Help.

The best way to determine whether you're dealing with sinus headaches or migraines is a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist. Dr. Ramie Tritt and the expert team at Atlanta ENT use advanced imaging and personalized exams to get to the root of your symptoms—so you can get long-term relief, not just temporary fixes.

Contact Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates

We’re here to help you breathe easier and feel better—headaches and all.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.