Migraine often masquerades as sinus pressure

Forehead or cheek pressure can be a migraine symptom even without classic throbbing headache.

Migraine presenting as facial pressureMigraine pathways may cause facial pain with congestion or light sensitivity.
Rhinosinusitis with objective inflammationA compatible symptom and examination pattern matters more than pain alone.
Temporomandibular disorderJaw movement can trigger referred pain to temples and cheeks.
Dental or neuropathic facial painTooth and nerve disorders may mimic sinus symptoms.
Tension-type or cervicogenic headacheMuscular and cervical referral can be felt in the face.

True sinus inflammation needs appropriate evidence

Purulent drainage, loss of smell and objective nasal inflammation may support sinonasal disease when evaluated together.

Rhinosinusitis with objective inflammationA compatible symptom and examination pattern matters more than pain alone.
Temporomandibular disorderJaw movement can trigger referred pain to temples and cheeks.
Dental or neuropathic facial painTooth and nerve disorders may mimic sinus symptoms.
Tension-type or cervicogenic headacheMuscular and cervical referral can be felt in the face.
Migraine presenting as facial pressureMigraine pathways may cause facial pain with congestion or light sensitivity.

Temporomandibular and dental disorders can cause facial pain that patients perceive as sinus pressure.

Temporomandibular disorderJaw movement can trigger referred pain to temples and cheeks.
Dental or neuropathic facial painTooth and nerve disorders may mimic sinus symptoms.
Tension-type or cervicogenic headacheMuscular and cervical referral can be felt in the face.
Migraine presenting as facial pressureMigraine pathways may cause facial pain with congestion or light sensitivity.
Rhinosinusitis with objective inflammationA compatible symptom and examination pattern matters more than pain alone.

Repeated antibiotics rarely clarify persistent facial pain when endoscopy and imaging do not show relevant sinus inflammation.

Dental or neuropathic facial painTooth and nerve disorders may mimic sinus symptoms.
Tension-type or cervicogenic headacheMuscular and cervical referral can be felt in the face.
Migraine presenting as facial pressureMigraine pathways may cause facial pain with congestion or light sensitivity.
Rhinosinusitis with objective inflammationA compatible symptom and examination pattern matters more than pain alone.
Temporomandibular disorderJaw movement can trigger referred pain to temples and cheeks.