Summary
A variety of ear, nose and throat disorders can cause headache.
This is because nerves in this region can refer pain into the head and face. Sinus infection caused by colds, flu or hayfever can cause headaches.
Treatment varies according to the underlying cause.
Many ear, nose and throat disorders can cause or contribute to headache.
This can be due to ‘referred pain’, which is when pain in one area of the body is transferred to another area nearby.
The main sensory nerve to the sinuses, nose and face (the trigeminal nerve) also has connections with the nerves of the head and upper neck.
If problems such as a sinus infection trigger pain in one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve, the sensation can travel along these connections and precipitate headache.
The treatment for headache triggered by ear, nose and throat problems varies according to the cause. One of the most common triggers is sinus congestion.
Click here to read more about sinus, ear, nose and throat problems that can cause headache
Seek medical advice
Headache and migraine can be caused by many contributing factors working together.
That’s why professional advice is needed to investigate and properly diagnose the specific factors behind a person’s recurring headache.
Other triggers may include muscular tension, diet, poor posture and some medications.