When It's Time to Call an ENT Specialist for Your Headaches

Most people expect to experience headaches occasionally. Thankfully, most are temporary and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, rest, or hydration. But when should you call a doctor for head pain, and why would you see an ENT specialist?

An ENT doctor, or otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat and related structures of the face, head, and neck.

ENT specialists are uniquely qualified to handle complex cases where these areas intersect, such as chronic sinusitis, ear infections, and certain types of headache.

Dr. Philip T. Ho, founder of Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, offers comprehensive medical and surgical care for ENT and sinus issues that can impact your overall health and well-being.

Read on to learn more from Dr. Ho’s team regarding ENT specialty care for headaches.

When it’s time to call an ENT doctor for your headaches

The Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center team recommends scheduling an appointment for:

Chronic sinus headaches

Chronic sinus infections or symptoms such as facial pressure, congestion, or nasal discharge accompanying your headaches could indicate a sinus-related issue.

Sinus headaches are often mistaken for migraines, since both types cause significant pain and can include many of the same symptoms, such as nasal drainage and tooth pain.

However, sinus headache symptoms are typically felt around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks and are often exacerbated by bending forward or lying down.

Additionally, migraines are a neurological disorder, while sinus headaches are related to an underlying infection that may be triggered by a structural problem such as a deviated septum.

Frequent headaches

If your headaches occur frequently despite treatment, or if you’ve been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, an ENT doctor can help determine if there’s an underlying issue causing the problem.

For instance, you may have a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or other structural problem that is contributing to your headaches. Dr. Ho develops a treatment plan that helps eliminate the headaches by solving the underlying problem.

Ear-related issues

Sometimes, headaches are linked to ear issues, such as ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ho if you experience headaches accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, or the sensation of fullness in the ears.

Dizziness or balance problems

Headaches accompanied by vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems may indicate an inner ear disorder, such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines. Dr. Ho can assess these symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Throat and neck concerns

If your headaches are associated with persistent throat pain, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, it could indicate an issue with the throat or upper respiratory tract.

In such cases, an ENT can help identify whether there is an underlying cause, such as a throat infection or a more serious condition like a tumor.

Sleep-related headaches

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches.

Dr. Ho can evaluate your symptoms and suggest appropriate interventions, such as CPAP therapy, a dental appliance, or minimally invasive surgical options.

If you’ve tried various treatments for your headaches without success, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist to rule out underlying issues that could be contributing.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.