From the results of the study, Dr. Schreiber concludes that patients need to "see their physician to discuss their symptoms, get a proper diagnosis, and get a treatment plan that will be most effective for them."
A headache diary is one of the most effective ways to ensure that you report your symptoms effectively. Proper diagnosis of headache symptoms is critical, not only for relief of the symptoms, but because they can be indicators of other medical problems.
The findings of this study are especially important given the difference in treatment plans for sinus headaches versus migraine attacks. Should the diagnosis indeed be migraine, there are migraine-specific abortive medications available that are quite different from medications prescribed for sinus headaches. Migraine-specific abortives include:
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Triptans:
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Imitrex: (sumatriptan, GlaxoSmithKline) available in tablets, nasal spray, or self-injection forms.
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olmitriptan, Zeneca) available in tablets, dissolvable tablet form, Zomig ZMT, and nasal spray
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izatriptan, Merck) available in tablets or Maxalt MLT, a dissolvable tablet.
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naratriptan, Glaxo Wellcome) available in tablet form.
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Axert: (almotriptan malate, Pharmacia Corporation) available in tablet form.
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Frova: (frovatriptan, Elan Pharmacueticals) available in tablet form.
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Relpax: (eletriptan, Pfizer, Inc.) available in tablet form.
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Ergotamine drugs:
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Cafergot: (ergotamine tartrate, Novartis) available in tablet or suppository forms.
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DHE-45: (dihydroergotamine, Novartis) injection form.
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Migranal: (dihydroergotamine, Novartis) nasal spray form.
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Ergomar: (ergotamine tartrate, Lotus) available in sublingual tablets.
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Sinus or migraine? It can be terribly difficult to distinguish between them. Keeping a headache diary to take to your doctor for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that's right for you is the best way to help you figure it out and be on your way to relief.
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* The study conducted at The
Headache Care Center was conducted with a grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
