
In this complete guide we answer the question “Can a deviated septum cause headache?” (short answer: yes), and we also explain:
Can a Deviated Septum Cause Headaches (or Migraines)?
Yes, the presence of deviated septum can cause headaches.
The deviated nasal septum may cause blockage of the sinus opening (which aids in the drainage of mucus). This could lead to the accumulation of mucus (a slimy substance produced by the inner lining of nose and sinus) and the built-up of pressure within the sinuses. An increase in pressure and reduced oxygen supply due to poor ventilation of the sinuses (hypoxia) causes headache and facial pain in the region of the affected sinuses.1Low WK, Willatt DJ. Headaches associated with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum. Headache. 1995;35(7):404-406.
However, some patients with a deviated septum and no apparent nasal symptoms experience migraine-type headaches. This is also known as a contact point headache.
This occurs when the inner skin (mucosa) of structures present on the sidewall of the nose comes in contact with the deviated nasal septum. The mucosal contacts stimulate nerve receptors present on the nasal mucosa (inner skin of nose) and release chemicals (e.g., substance P) which transmit pain and cause migraine-like headache.2Kwon SH, Lee EJ, Yeo CD, et al. Is septal deviation associated with headache?: A nationwide 10-year follow-up cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(20).
Can Fixing Deviated Septum Help Migraines (and Headaches)?
Fixing deviated septum is considered one of the possible treatments to relieve headaches, but not a definitive treatment.
Headaches are usually caused by multiple factors. Research suggests that headaches can be classified into the following groups:
It may be challenging for the otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to identify the origin of headaches.
In cases where the cause is unknown, the headache could be related to contact point headaches. In such cases, correction of the deviated septum and that of the structural abnormalities on the sidewall of the nose is important. This helps avoid mucosal contacts and subsequent headache.3Tosun F, Gerek M, Ozkaptan Y. Nasal surgery for contact point headaches. Headache. 2000 Mar;40(3):237-240. DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2000.00034.x.
In cases with abnormalities related to nose and sinus, septoplasty (deviated septum surgery) is sufficient to relieve the symptoms of the sinus infection.4Bayiz U, Dursun E, Islam A, et al. Is septoplasty alone adequate for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with septal deviation?. Am J Rhinol. 2005;19(6):612-616
Complete history taking, preoperative evaluations, multidisciplinary consultations, initial medical therapy, long observations, are essential steps for the correct diagnosis of the cause and better surgical outcomes.5Huang HH, Lee TJ, Huang CC, Chang PH, Huang SF. Non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache: a ten-year experience. Am J Otolaryngol. 2008;29(5):326-332.
Alternative Remedies for Deviated Septum & Headaches?
If your headaches are caused by a deviated septum, but you’re unable to get septoplasty surgery (also known as deviated septum surgery), here are some things you can do at home to help reduce your headaches:
Sources:
- 1Low WK, Willatt DJ. Headaches associated with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum. Headache. 1995;35(7):404-406.
- 2Kwon SH, Lee EJ, Yeo CD, et al. Is septal deviation associated with headache?: A nationwide 10-year follow-up cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(20).
- 3Tosun F, Gerek M, Ozkaptan Y. Nasal surgery for contact point headaches. Headache. 2000 Mar;40(3):237-240. DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2000.00034.x.
- 4Bayiz U, Dursun E, Islam A, et al. Is septoplasty alone adequate for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with septal deviation?. Am J Rhinol. 2005;19(6):612-616.
- 5Huang HH, Lee TJ, Huang CC, Chang PH, Huang SF. Non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache: a ten-year experience. Am J Otolaryngol. 2008;29(5):326-332.
- 6Evans, K. L. (1998). Recognition and Management of Sinusitis. Drugs, 56(1), 59–71.
- 7Egan M, Hickner J. Saline irrigation spells relief for sinusitis sufferers. J Fam Pract. 2009;58(1):29-32
- 8Hendrich, S., Kahanov, L., & Eberman, L. E. (2011). Acupressure for Tension Headache. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 16(3), 37–40.
- 9Mauskop, A. (2001). ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEADACHE. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(4), 1077–1084.
- 10John PJ, Sharma N, Sharma CM, Kankane A. Effectiveness of yoga therapy in the treatment of migraine without aura: a randomized controlled trial. Headache. 2007;47(5):654-661.
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