Concha bullosa related headache disability

E. Cantone, G. Castagna, I. Ferranti, M. Cimmino, S. Sicignano, F. Rega, V. Di Rubbo, M. Iengo

Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Science, ENT Unit; “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy. elenacantone@libero.it

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• Otorhinolaryngology

OBJECTIVE:  Rhinogenic headache (RH) is a headache or facial pain syndrome secondary to mucosal contact points in the sino-nasal cavities, in the absence of inflammatory signs, hyperplastic mucosa, purulent discharge, sino-nasal polyps or masses. It may result from pressure on the nasal mucosa due to anatomical variations among which the pneumatization of the middle turbinate, concha bullosa, a variant of the development of ethmoidal cells, is the most commonly observed. Clinical practice suggests a close correlation between concha bullosa, mucosal contacts and rhinogenic headache, with high impact on the QoL. However diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties still remain. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of medical or surgical care on the QoL of patients suffering from concha bullosa related headache from the patients’ perspective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred-two subjects with concha bullosa and headache anamnesis were randomized into two groups and given medical or surgical treatment. To assess the Quality of life (QoL) we used visual analogue scale and for the first time, the migraine disability score before and after treatment.

RESULTS: After treatment the severity of the headache decreased as well as the discomfort in the surgical group compared with medical group.

CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of symptoms and QoL suggests that the endoscopic surgical plastic may promote the rapid resolution of concha bullosa related headache improving the and reducing health care costs.

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