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What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 32-year-old female. My weight is 132.28 lb and my height is 5.73 ft. For around five years, I have been suffering from light-pressure headaches, as if a balloon is in my head. It comes with pulsatile tinnitus on and off, mostly when I bend over, get up from a chair, etc. Also, I suffer from balance problems and slight visual disturbances. The tinnitus and eye problem only affect my right side. The complaints vary in severity. I have weeks in a row with major complaints alternating with weeks with very mild complaints. I visited an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a neurologist. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the vessels were taken.

Due to an empty sella, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) was suspected. When I came for the lumbar puncture, I was in my good weeks with very few complaints. The opening pressure was 22, so IIH was ruled out. Also, no papilledema was found at that time. My blood pressure, in general, is in the normal range, more on the lower side than on the higher side. The MRI scans were taken about three years ago, and when looking back at them by myself, I think my left transverse sinus looks maybe a bit abnormal. I am on a regular birth control pill, and occasionally, I take Propranolol for a pounding heart. I was wondering what the opinion of a professional is, and whether this could explain my complaints.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all, I do not think any abnormality of the transverse sinus can explain your symptoms. The pattern of symptoms of transverse sinus abnormality is entirely different from what you are experiencing. Although it will be premature to comment on the diagnosis as I do not have all the required details about your illness, I must state that there is a possibility of a migraine.

The features favoring migraine are unilateral nature, fluctuating course, the presence of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and eye symptoms, along with balance issues. In case your doctor has not ruled out the possibility of migraine, then I will suggest you discuss the very same issue on your next visit with your doctor.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At April 5, 2017
Reviewed AtMarch 11, 2026

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