Can a deviated septum cause headaches? A deviated septum causes general fatigue and headaches. The most common symptoms of septum deviation are headache and facial pain.
Because of the severity of the headache, some people with deviated septum will have a migraine. Learn more about headaches and deviated septum below.
Severe Headache
An extremely severe headache can be caused by a deviated septum.
Pain that is constant, not severe
Pain will increase over time if the septum is moved (joint moved) and the body does not respond to normal pain pathways
Pain will increase over time if the septum is moved (joint moved) and the body does not respond to normal pain pathways Pain that will spread up the face and neck
Facial pain that spreads down the face and neck
How does a deviated septum cause headaches?
If the joint between the skull and the brain is moved or torn the septum will not be there. When the joint is moved or torn the nerves that go to the brain and spinal cord will not get used to the new location. The nerves in the back of the head (the upper cervical spine) are also damaged when the spine is dislocated.
Hearing loss is another symptom of the deviated septum. A malformed septum has no hearing in the ears. Severe hearing loss can occur during head trauma.
Severe facial pain
During jaw surgery and other surgical procedures the chin is usually moved off the lower jaw. The chin bone must be lifted to allow for the jaw to move. The pain of dislocation can travel through the jaw and pain can occur if there are extra openings or lacerations that make the chin lift over the teeth.
More severe symptoms and side effects
Many people do not have symptoms of deviated septum. Others, however, have severe symptoms that last for months or years. Other symptoms include:
- Swelling of the lips and tongue
- Blisters and redness on the lips and tongue
- Burning or stinging sensation in the mouth or on lips or tongue
- Fractures or tears in the lips or tongue
- Red or swollen eyes
In severe cases severe pain can be severe enough to force the victim to seek medical help.
Severe headache
Deviated septum can cause severe headaches if the joint moves or torn. Severe headaches can occur in any person who has this condition and who has taken over-the-counter medication to treat the headaches or pain.
Can a deviated septum cause migraines?
There are a few different types of migraines (see below). Deviated septum can cause migraines if the bones are broken or torn. The pain of a deviated septum can last for months or years and can cause migraines. Migraines are a more frequent symptom of the deviated septum and more severe.
Deviated septum with migraines
Sometimes a deviated septum with migraines is visible. Some people have a deviated septum and an area of white or blue discoloration where the bone is fractured. This is known as “white discoloration” and can be seen on X-rays. In this type of deviated septum it is possible to have an aneurysm (blockage in the aorta). If the blockage continues, a severe migraine or strokes can occur.
More severe symptoms and side effects
Some people with a deviated septum have severe headaches with more severe side effects. Deviated septum can cause:
- Pain that becomes constant or severe
- Pain that is constant, not severe
- Pain that will spread across the face and neck
- Facial pain that is worse than headaches caused by a normal septum
- More severe symptoms and side effects
Sometimes a deviated septum is not seen and people have symptoms but no pain. This is known as “white discoloration” and often can be seen on X-rays.
Severe facial pain
Deviated septum can cause facial pain that gets worse every few minutes. A patient with a deviated septum may have facial pain lasting hours or days and may not get better.
What are the causes and symptoms of the deviated septum?
The most common cause of the deviated septum is brain and spinal cord damage (septal occlusion). Brain and spinal cord damage is the result of a torn or dislocated joint. In many cases this type of damage occurs when the skull is dislocated.
The cause for severe headaches is typically brain and spinal cord injury. But a deviated septum may also result in headache. The condition for a facial pain is also caused by trauma to the skull.
Other causes of the deviated septum
The most common other cause of the deviated septum is to remove an appendicular sclerosis, often called an atrial fasciitis (a disease in which the spinal cord is detached).
