Abstract Background Nearly two thirds of patients who suffer from migraine headaches (MH) have a rhinogenic trigger site. A majority of rhinoplasty patients are female, and an estimated 18% of females suffer from MH. Rhinogenic MH and sinus headaches (SH) are commonly triggered by elements which can be readily addressed during septorhinoplasty. Consequently, this surgery may present a dual opportunity to address MH/SH and cosmetic concerns simultaneously. Objectives This study aims to quantify the incidence of MH and SH in patients presenting for primary rhinoplasty. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on a consecutive sample of patients who presented for primary rhinoplasty. The senior author's 2-page preoperative questionnaire which inquires about MH and SH was used to identify patients who self-reported MH and SH. MH and SH incidences were calculated as a percentage of the total number of patient responses. Results A total of 190 primary rhinoplasty patients (164 females (86.32%) and 26 males (13.68%)) were included in this study. In total, 64 (33.68%) had either SH or MH. Twenty-nine patients (15.26%) had SH only, 12 (6.32%) MH only, 23 (12.11%) both MH and SH, and 35 (18.42%) had MH with or without SH. Conclusions MH incidence (18.42%) in this patient sample was greater than the reported global migraine rate of 14-15%. By screening for and treating rhinogenic MH and SH, surgeons can both alleviate symptoms while fulfilling aesthetic objectives.
Cvelbar et al. (2026) studied this question.