Sometimes, what feels like a "sinus headache" is actually a migraine. Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause severe vertigo (known as vestibular migraines). Because migraines can also cause nasal congestion and facial pressure, they are frequently misdiagnosed as sinus infections. In these cases, the vertigo is a symptom of the migraine, not the sinus congestion itself.
| Your Main Symptom | Likely Cause | Next Step | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Sinus issues | Try nasal rinses, decongestants, see primary care | | Spinning vertigo + nausea + no nasal symptoms | Inner ear (BPPV, neuritis) | See ENT or vestibular therapist | | Dizziness + ear fullness + hearing changes | Middle ear fluid or Meniere’s | See ENT | can sinus issues cause vertigo
But true spinning vertigo is rarely caused by sinuses alone. If the room is spinning, look to your inner ear. If you just feel “woozy” with a stuffy head, your sinuses are the more likely culprit. Sometimes, what feels like a "sinus headache" is
To understand how sinus issues lead to dizziness, it is helpful to understand the proximity of the sinuses to the balance system. In these cases, the vertigo is a symptom