Headache Characteristics in Rhinologic Patients and the Role of Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Objectives:Even though headache is a common symptom in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) or nasal septal devi- ation (NSD), there are very few recent reports investigating headache characteristics in rhinologic patients. Therefore, we in- vestigated the headache characteristics and differences in CRS and NSD patients who were diagnosed by computerized to- mography and endoscopic exams. Methods:We enrolled 257 patients who had undergone nasal and sinus surgery between January 2012 and December 2013. The subjects were divided into a CRS group (n=147) and NSD group (n=110). They were asked to fill out a Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) and questionnaire about pre-operation headaches (1 day prior) and post-operation headaches (1 month after) they experienced, to evaluate their sinonasal symptoms and headache characteris- tics. Results:There was no significant pre-operative difference in rhinologic symptoms and headache characteristics between the CRS and NSD groups. Females experienced more headaches. Both groups reported significant improvements to their headaches after surgery; however, we found no significant differences in the degree of improvement between the two groups. Conclusions:There was no significant difference in the headache characteristics and the degree of post-operative improve - ment between the CRS and NSD groups. Surgical treatments appear to reduce headaches in patients with rhinologic diseases.