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Blockage in Sphenoid Sinus Causes Daily Headaches
I have had chronic sinusitis for several years, accompanied by daily headaches and my ENT, as well as a MRI of my brain have confirmed that my sphenoid sinus (the sinus in the back of your face that is inside your brain) is completed blocked, and their is a build up of mucous like cells surrounding it. This is what I understand of what I've been told. The scary thing is that this sinus is very close to the optic nerve and other important parts of the brain and could cause irreparable damage to my optic nerve that would possibly cause loss of sight. The procedure to open up the sinus is one that is performed under general anesthesia and there is also the risk of the surgeon accidentally disturbing something else in the brain close to the sinus. This surgery is optional, as I can continue as I am and hope that the sinus doesn't become inflamed or swollen and cause damage. However, currently, I am experiencing the daily headaches that are typical with this condition.
Has anyone experienced anything similar and if so, how did you handle the situation?
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@dnelson720
Thank you- how was your recovery?
The first week was bad after anesthesia wore off and lidocaine inside nasal passage wore off. But I took the pain meds around the clock (every 4 hrs as directed by my doctor) for the first 3 days then tapered off as time went on. Today, Thursday 28, is 3 weeks since surgery. Im feeling a lot better but still get tired a lot. Some pain here and there front healing but nothing like it was before. Because of the extensive surgery I had, doctor said 5-6 week recovery time. By the grace of God, I believe I made the right decision to have the surgery.
Thank you for your details-
Did you have neck pain with your eye issues?
My eyes have felt tight and congested with issues into neck, it’s unrelenting and no type of NSAID is any help.
Yes, after surgery my eyes feel more ‘relaxed’, less pressure as well as my neck and ears. Doctor said the two sphenoid sinus cavities, which are located behind your eyes, were completely impacted with infection. About two to three week PRIOR to surgery, I had severe headaches constantly that were on the left side of my head, temporal area, behind my ear and down into my neck. I no longer have that.
Thank you-as I’m just trying to figure out my issues.
Did you have any nasal issues/accompanying drainage, sore throats?
Are you having pain in your eyes? Actually i feel pain and pressure in my eyes i have checked my eyesight and doctors said your eyesight is totally fine also, i am having my ear radiosurgery but i have very trouble in my eyes.
Hello,
I may need the surgery to eliminate daily headaches I've had for 3 months.
How are you doing now? Did your headaches return?
Hi! I had the sinus surgery a year ago in September 2023, and I can honestly say I have not had any sinus issues since then…. No sinus headaches, no sinus infections, nothing. I still use the Neil Med sinus rinse a few nights a week just to clean my sinus passageway and keep it clear. The surgery was the best thing I could have done! If you’re on the fence, don’t be. Make the decision to go ahead and do it. You will feel a whole lot better, I promise you! Good luck 🙏🏻
@dnelson720 -
Hi. Did you have surgery just to the sphenoid sinus? Or all sinuses? Anything else done? Or just that?
I had all 4 sinuses drained plus deviated septum corrected. It was pretty extensive. Doctor said my sphenoid sinuses were totally impacted with infected tissue. It was to the point that I cried daily with such bad headaches. I slept with ice packs all over my head to numb the pain. If the infection is not removed it literally will eat away the thin bony area between your sinus cavity and your brain and infection can go into your brain, which is a whole other critical issue. I definitely recommend having the surgery for so many reasons. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.