Migraines are a common condition that many people suffer from. The prevalence of migraines may be higher than you think. In fact, they affect 39 million men, women and children in the U.S. and 1 billion people worldwide.
Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors, including various medical issues.
However common it may be, migraines shouldn’t be ignored or brushed off.
One possible connection to migraines is a deviated septum. This is a condition in which your septum is severely misaligned. The septum is the tissue wall that separates the two nostrils.
This article will look into the question, “can a deviated septum cause a migraine or not?” It will also look into the possible connection between these two medical conditions.
Can A Deviated Septum Cause a Migraine?
The short answer is yes, a deviated nasal septum is one of the things that can cause headaches and/or migraines.
However, having a deviated septum does not mean that you will definitely suffer from migraines on a regular basis. It is also not the direct cause of migraines.
What is a Deviated Septum?
Not all septums are perfectly aligned. In fact, a perfectly aligned septum is rare. But, to be considered a “deviated septum”, there must be a significant misalignment of the septum.
A deviated nasal septum is a condition that can result in a number of symptoms. These include nosebleeds, pain in the face, noisy breathing while sleeping/snoring, and difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. And, as we already mentioned, migraines and headaches can be another symptom.
How Does a Deviated Septum Cause Migraines?
Well, you are more likely to experience frequent sinus infections if your nasal septum is deviated. This is because sinus infections occur when mucus is clogged.
Sinus infections can cause discomfort, headaches, and migraines. So, in essence, a deviated septum indirectly causes migraines.
Migraines caused by a deviated septum are affected by the frequency and severity of your sinus infections.
How to Treat Migraines Caused by a Deviated Septum?
Migraines and headaches can be treated in a variety of ways. You can begin with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, as well as home remedies.
If sinus infections are causing your migraines, you can also try medications for that condition. However, if you want to treat the root cause of your sinus infections and migraines, you can try a specific surgical procedure.
This procedure is known as a septoplasty. A septoplasty is a procedure that corrects a deviated septum by straightening the partition between your nasal chambers.
Then, a less deviated septum can reduce the likelihood of sinus infections.
More Information on Septoplasty
A septoplasty is an expensive procedure. A septoplasty can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $30,000. In some cases it can be even more expensive.
You may wonder how this procedure differs from rhinoplasty.
Simply put, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the outside appearance and structure of the nose. It’s often a type of cosmetic surgery. Meanwhile, a septoplasty is more concerned with repairing the framework inside the nose, specifically the septum.
All of this is to say that a deviated septum can cause migraines, but not directly. It is typically through the increased risk and/or frequency of sinus infections, that it can cause migraines.
Before you take any medications, we highly suggest that you first visit your healthcare professional or a neurologist who specializes in treating migraines. They will be the ones who can help you determine which is the best course of action.