Headache, migraine and dizziness resources
Sinus pressure or migraine: why facial pain needs the right assessment
Melbourne Headache Solutions. First published 4 December 2020. Recovered and editorially updated 28 October 2026 from our archived resource. This is general education, not an individual diagnosis.
Quick answer
Pain around the forehead, eyes or cheeks does not automatically mean a sinus headache. Migraine and nasal or sinus problems can overlap. The accompanying symptoms and examination help decide whether you need headache care, treatment for a nasal condition or another assessment.
What else happens with the facial pain?
Record nausea, light or sound sensitivity, congestion, discharge, fever and changes in smell. Note whether the symptoms appear in repeated attacks or alongside an illness or seasonal allergy. Tell your clinician what you mean by sinus pressure.
The original MHS resource asked whether pain labelled as sinus pain might be headache or migraine. It remains a useful question when you have repeatedly treated congestion but the same disabling episodes continue.
What about hay fever season?
Allergy symptoms and migraine may occur at the same time. Discuss sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal symptoms with your GP or pharmacist rather than assuming that all head pain comes from allergy. Equally, do not dismiss persistent nasal or facial symptoms as migraine without assessment.
Keep track of any medicines you use, how often and whether they help. Do not change prescribed treatment or repeatedly add products without checking their suitability.
What should the next step be?
A GP can review possible headache, sinus, dental or eye causes and advise on further care. Seek urgent advice for severe or changing symptoms, vision problems, marked swelling around an eye or a painful red eye.
At MHS, bring details of previous sinus and headache treatment. A focused history can help clarify the headache pattern and whether physical assessment is relevant, while medical assessment addresses infection, allergy or other concerns.
Headache and migraine assessment in Melbourne
If recurring symptoms are disrupting your day, you can discuss your history and next steps with Melbourne Headache Solutions. We have clinics in Brunswick, Fitzroy North and Thornbury. Check the current team and appointment options before booking.
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