Rhinological factors predisposing to headaches: our experience

Background: This study aimed to present the correlation between headaches and anatomical changes within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Material and methods: This study includes a literature search and our observations of 24 patients regarding the correlation of headaches with the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus anatomy. Results: According to the literature, about 12% of the population suffer from chronic/recurrent headaches. In about 60% of patients, the headache was accompanied by different types of the anatomical structure of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, which may predispose to frequent recurrence or poor control of pain. We observed 2 groups of patients. Group I consisted of 18 patients, who in according to the according to ICHD-3 classification were diagnosed with a headache or facial pain attributed to disorder of the head or neck. Group II included 6 patients with a non-diagnosed recurrent headache, who after septoplasty reported either complete headache resolution or a significantly reduced frequency of headache attacks and duration. Statistically significant differences in the surgical treatment outcomes between patients before and after therapy were observed (p = 0,00001). Conclusion: Several anatomical changes can predispose or cause recurrent headaches. In most cases, they require surgical intervention.