Health condition
Sinus headache vs migraine
Most self-diagnosed and even doctor-diagnosed 'sinus headaches' are actually migraine - studies suggest as many as nine in ten - and making the right call spares years of futile decongestants and antibiotics.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Migraine commonly causes facial pressure, watering eyes and a stuffy nose - mimicking sinusitis
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True sinusitis headache accompanies an infection with discoloured discharge and fever
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Recurrent 'sinus headaches' with normal scans, nausea or light sensitivity are migraine until proven otherwise
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The treatment consequences are opposite: triptans and preventives versus sinus treatment
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
The confusion is anatomical: migraine activates the trigeminal nerve, which also supplies the sinuses and produces congestion, facial pressure and eye watering as part of the attack - so a throbbing episode with a blocked nose feels exactly like 'sinus'. Genuine acute sinusitis certainly causes facial pain, but it arrives with an infection: thick discoloured discharge, reduced smell and fever, resolving as the infection does, not returning fortnightly for years.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
The discriminators are recurrence, associated features and scans: episodic attacks with nausea, light or sound sensitivity, or aggravation by activity satisfy migraine criteria whatever the face feels like, and a normal CT during symptoms settles it. Getting the label right redirects treatment - triptans taken early plus preventives for frequent attacks - and spares repeated antibiotics; where genuine chronic sinus disease and migraine coexist, both are treated on their own merits. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant ENT surgeon. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sinus headache vs migraine.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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Can you explain what sinus headache vs migraine is?
Sinus headache vs migraine is a medical condition that can affect people differently depending on severity, underlying cause and overall health. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and explain what it means specifically for you.
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What causes sinus headache vs migraine?
Causes vary and can include genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other health-related factors, and in some people no single clear cause is found. Your clinician can help identify anything relevant to your own case.
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What does sinus headache vs migraine look like or feel like?
Symptoms vary between individuals and depend on which body systems are affected and how significant the underlying problem is. Keeping track of what you notice, and when, helps your clinician assess it accurately.
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Is sinus headache vs migraine serious or dangerous?
Severity varies from mild and self-limiting to more significant, depending on the underlying cause and how it's managed. A clinical assessment is the best way to understand what it means in your specific situation.
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Is sinus headache vs migraine hereditary or genetic?
This depends on the specific condition — some cases have a genetic or familial component, while others are linked more to environmental, lifestyle or other health factors. If you have a relevant family history, it's worth mentioning to your clinician.
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Can sinus headache vs migraine be cured, reversed or prevented?
Many cases can be effectively treated or managed, and prevention strategies exist for some causes, though this depends on the specific underlying reason in your case. Your clinician can explain what's realistic for you.
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What treatment options are available for sinus headache vs migraine?
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity, and can range from simple lifestyle or self-management measures to medical or specialist intervention.
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How long does sinus headache vs migraine last, or take to recover from?
This varies depending on the underlying cause, how early it's identified, and how well it responds to treatment — your clinician can give a more specific expectation once assessed.
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When should specialist referral be considered for sinus headache vs migraine?
Specialist referral is worth considering if symptoms persist, are getting worse, or aren't responding to initial treatment — your GP can help decide the right pathway and urgency.
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When should I see a doctor about sinus headache vs migraine, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life — earlier assessment generally leads to better management. NHS routine referrals for this kind of concern often take 20–45 weeks or longer depending on the area, while a private consultant can typically see you within about 2 weeks, with faster access to scans and specialist opinion.