The so-called sinus headache is one of the most common misdiagnoses made by doctors all over the world.
This is according to Dr Elliot Shevel, the medical director at Headache Clinic in Cape Town.
Locating the source of a headache is more important than labeling what type of headache it is, says Dr Shevel.
Read: Constant pain pill pop-popping causes frequent, more severe headaches - doctor
A headache can occur in any part of the head, on both sides of the head, or in just one location.
Dr Shevel says that treatment cannot be fully effective without assessing where the pain is coming from.
He says identifying types of headaches, such as tension, migraine, and cluster headaches, does not determine the root of the pain.
Also read: Why you should see the doc about that thunderclap headache
The expert offered his professional insights and advised when to see a doctor for your headaches.
By giving the headache a name, you aren't really diagnosing where the pain is coming from.
— Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director at Headache Clinic
The only way to really understand and treat headaches is to find out where the pain is coming from.
— Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director at Headache Clinic
'Sinus headaches' are the most common misdiagnoses made by doctors all over the world.
— Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director at Headache Clinic
Sinuses do not causes headaches, period. There's no such thing.
— Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director at Headache Clinic
If you've been diagnosed with a 'sinus headache', it means your doctor doesn't know what he's talking about.
— Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director at Headache Clinic
Take a listen to his expert advice:
This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Dr debunks 'sinus headaches' myth and shares expert tips on how to beat the pain
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