Role of some anatomical nasal abnormalities in rhinogenic headache

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the role of some anatomical nasal abnormalities in rhinogenic headache and to evaluate response to surgery.Patients and methodsFrom January 2005 to December 2007, 40 patients were complaining of headache and diagnosed to have sinonasal anatomical abnormalities as deviated nasal septum, concha bullosum and Haller cell. These abnormalities were treated with septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery. Data from this group were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsMultiple sinonasal anomalies were noted by endoscopy and sinus computed tomographic scans in forty patients. These anomalies include nasal septum deviation in 20 (50%), concha bullosum in 15 (37.5%), and Haller cell in 5 (12.5%) patients. Thirty-two (80%) of the 40 patients in the study showed significant improvement postoperatively and did not require further medical therapy for headache.ConclusionsOur experience demonstrates that some anatomical nasal abnormalities play a very important role in rhinogenic headache and this headache can be significantly minimized with surgical management, as long as a precise identification of the etiological anatomical factor can be made.