My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

Is balloon dilation of the sinus cavities effective for migraines?

Related Topics: Cavity, Migraine, Sinus
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Timothy A. Collins, MDTimothy A. Collins, MDSUCCESS!
Timothy A. Collins, MD
Neurologist
Duke Pain and Palliative Care Clinic
30 Answers
167 Helpful Votes
21 Followers
A.

I'm not sure where you heard about this procedure, as it is not commonly done for migraines. There are no published reports that this even works for migraines, and only one doctor advertizes this for headaches on the internet.

The medical literature suggests that it may be helpful for correcting deviated septum and a few related sinus problems, but there are others who feel it isn't helpful.

There was a "fad" for doing sinus procedures for headaches in the mid 1990's. Most surgeons stopped doing this after it became apparent that surgery on the sinuses didn't actually make headaches better long term.

Almost all my migraine patients report some headaches triggered by weather, regardless of what their sinuses look like on xray or CT scan.
   

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

1 of 1 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Balloon dilation of the sinus cavities for migraines
 
 
1 Answer