Septoplasty
I recently found that I have a deviated septum that is very likely causing most of my migraines. After visiting and consulting with an ENT, he has suggested a septoplasty and turbinectomy to fix my septum and reduce the size of any overgrown nasal turbines.
I am seriously considering the surgery and have a lot of information about what the surgery and recovery will entail.
I wonder if anyone has ever had this surgery or knows anyone who has (whether for migraine relief or just to fix a deviated septum). I've read a lot about things, but I know it's not the same as first person experiential information. I appreciate any and all information that anyone has!
- Rachel
Rachel,
Who told you that the deviated septum is "causing most of your Migraines?" There is no evidence of this in any of the Migraine medical literature.
I can share my personal experience with you. I had both the septoplasty and trimming of the turbinates some years ago. I'm glad I did because the surgery put a stop to the nearly constant sinus infections I was having. However, it made no difference at all to my Migraines.
Keep us posted?
TeriTeri,
I was told this by my ENT. I am also very prone to sinus infections, so he said that this may help to alleviate them as well.
I had been looking for literature about this idea of the septum somehow being connected to my migraines, but couldn't find any. He had me using an anti inflammatory nasal spray when I felt the beginnings of a migraine, and in most cases, it was enough to quell the migraine from fully developing.
Apparently, the lining in the nasal cavity swells during changes in barometric pressure and hormone level changes, and I am prone to migraines during both of these times. I of course have other triggers, but these were two that I have never had any control of.
Thank you for sharing your story with me, and I will be sure to keep you posted as this all unfolds!
-RachelRachel,
Thanks for the reply and info. I've searched medical literature, and can't find anything about this type of surgery helping with Migraine.
Migraine experts don't know the mechanism by which barometric pressure changes trigger a Migraine. Most of them think it probably has something to do with the impact on cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Certainly, increased CSF pressure can be a Migraine trigger, That's readily evidenced by the fact that idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition in which the CSF pressure is elevated, is a huge trigger for some of us. I've never heard the theory about the inflamed nasal cavity before.
You're so right that barometric pressure and hormonal changes are very difficult triggers to control. I get a Migraine every time I fly and am likely to get one with weather changes. One thing I have found with the weather changes is that when I have a preventive regimen that's working well, it helps with Migraines from that trigger too.
This is an interesting conversation. Will watch for your updates.
Teri
Hi Rachel,
I just now saw your post - sorry I didn't see it sooner! I also had a septoplasty/turbinectomy surgery to hopefully reduce my headaches. Before going into surgery, my ENT said it wasn't likely that the surgery would make the headaches stop. He was right about that. However, I was so happy that I did the procedure as I had completely forgotten what it was like to breathe easily through my nose.
I have headaches pretty much daily and when the weather/barometric pressure changes I am a mess.
I guess what I am trying to say is don't get your hopes up for this being a migraine solution, but I highly recommend the surgery in order to get the blockage cleared so you can breathe.
Good luck and I am interested in hearing what you decide to do.
Nancy
