Paranasal Sinusal Congestion in Cluster Type Headache

Abstract

Objective: Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache syndrome accompanied by parasympathetic autonomic symptoms. Our main objective is to put forth that radiological paranasal sinus congestion, frequently encountered in this syndrome, results from autonomic dysfunction, such as conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea rather than being of incidental appearance. Materials and Methods: The radiological data of the patients who met the diagnostic criteria, had negative infectious markers, did not receive any antibiotics, and whose symptoms were under control by standard CH management were evaluated. Positive imaging was considered to show ipsilateral sinus congestion. Negative imaging showed no congestion, sinus retention cysts, or contralateral or bilateral congestion. Results: Of the 38 subjects, 42% had positive sinus congestion, and 57.9% were negative. Conclusion: We found that 42% of patients with CH had ipsilateral paranasal sinus congestion, and this feature was a part of autonomic dysfunction. However, further studies are needed to support these findings.

Keywords

• cluster headache
• sinusal congestion
• parasympathetic nervous system