by Cyn Bagley

Created on: January 06, 2008   Last Updated: November 14, 2009

Although both the sinus headache and the migraine are painful, these two types of headaches are very different. The migraine affects the brain through enlarged blood vessels and a release of chemicals from nerve fibers. The sinus headache is usually caused by blockage in the nasal and sinus passages. The sinuses are located under and above the eyes. So these two headaches have different symptoms and different ways to ease them.

MIGRAINES

if you feel a sharp pounding in your head, dizziness, and vomiting, you are having a migraine.

I had my first migraine in my early twenties. I woke up with a severe headache and ran to the bathroom. As I finished vomiting, I lost all feeling in the left side of my body. My parents rushed me to the ER because they thought that I was having a stroke.

The doctor pointed a small flashlight into my eyes. He took a long look in my eyes.

"It's just a migraine," he said. He gave me a shot of codeine. Instead of waking up in a few hours, I had a reaction to the codeine and woke up two days later.

Since that time, I have had migraines at least once a quarter.

I really don't like how codeine makes me feel during and after a migraine. Also, I learned early that regular pain medication does not kill a migraine. So in desperation I asked friends and strangers for migraine remedies.

The following are remedies that I have found effective for reducing my migraine pain:

1. Dehydration: Some migraines are caused by dehydration. I drink water with a lemon twist. The lemon helps the body overcome dehydration.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar: I learned this remedy in South Africa. I soak a washcloth in apple cider vinegar and place it on my forehead. The cloth feels cold to the head. Once I wake up, the headache is gone and I don't feel the normal aftereffects.

3. Elevating the head: By elevating the head, I found that the pain will diminish. My theory is that elevating the head relieves the pressure in the blood vessels.

Although it is not scientifically proven, I am sure that a diet high in corn syrup and/or fructose can cause migraines. In my case, I have found that certain processed foods can trigger a migraine.

SINUS HEADACHES

A sinus headache is very different. In my experience, it starts in the middle of the forehead and radiates toward the eyes around the sinus areas. Sometimes I can have severe pain in the cheek bones.

The following are a few home remedies that I use to deaden the pain.

1. Sinus Rinse: Sinus pressure can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungal infections in the sinus cavities. Using some type of sinus rinse like NeilMed Sinus Rinse can help relieve the pressure and rinse out the infections.

2. Elevating the head: By elevating the head, I found that the pain will diminish. My theory is that elevating the head relieves the pressure in the blood vessels.

3. Sometimes fluctuating pressure from weather systems can cause sinus pressure. Resting is one of my main remedies for sinus headaches.

If you get any of these headaches, I give you my full sympathies. Other than joint pain, headaches in my opinion are one of the most painful experiences. If none of these home-remedies work for you, you should mention these episodes with your doctor. Maybe you can find what triggers your headaches and treat them.

Hope these ideas can give you a start on a pain-free life.

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