Sinus or Migraine? Pain Map and Headache Diary

Where it hurts

Around or behind the eyes.

Over the cheeks or upper teeth.

Forehead.

Mostly one side, the same side each time.

Nose clues

My nose is blocked on the same side as the headache.

It gets worse when I bend forward.

It starts or worsens in AC rooms or with colds.

Migraine clues

Throbbing pain with nausea.

Light or sound bothers me during the headache.

Visual changes (aura) before it starts.

Habits to note

I take painkillers on more than 10 days a month.

I skip meals or sleep less than 7 hours.

Red flags

Sudden, severe 'worst ever' headache.

Headache with fever and a stiff neck, weakness, confusion or vision loss.

A new headache pattern after age 50.

See all questions on one page

Where it hurts

Around or behind the eyes.
Over the cheeks or upper teeth.
Forehead.
Mostly one side, the same side each time.

Nose clues

My nose is blocked on the same side as the headache.
It gets worse when I bend forward.
It starts or worsens in AC rooms or with colds.

Migraine clues

Throbbing pain with nausea.
Light or sound bothers me during the headache.
Visual changes (aura) before it starts.

Habits to note

I take painkillers on more than 10 days a month.
I skip meals or sleep less than 7 hours.

Red flags

Sudden, severe 'worst ever' headache.
Headache with fever and a stiff neck, weakness, confusion or vision loss.
A new headache pattern after age 50.

What your ticks may mean

Nose clues alongside one-sided pain can point to a nasal cause, such as sinus disease or a contact point inside the nose, which an ENT can examine. Migraine clues point to migraine. Many people have both. Painkillers on most days can themselves cause daily headaches.

Get urgent care if

You ticked a red flag. Keep a two-week diary (time, side, trigger, nose symptoms) and take it to your doctor. Do not stop prescribed medicine on your own.