Many people often blame their headaches on their sinuses. But this is largely a myth. As many as 95 percent of people who believe they suffer from "sinus headache" don't have any problem with their sinuses at all. The confusion may happen because migraine and cluster headaches can cause the same symptoms as sinus infection:

• Pain around the eye, forehead or temple
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose

Sinus inflammation can cause short-term pain during an acute infection. But recurring headaches are most often due to migraines, even if they are located in the sinus areas and have sinus-like symptoms. Treating these recurrent headaches with medications to prevent migraines is often very effective. Often, people find that over-the-counter sinus medications may cause rebound headaches.