Can A Deviated Nasal Septum Be Causing Your Headache?
- Posted on: Apr 28 2026
Headaches can be frustrating—especially when the cause isn’t clear. While many people think of stress or migraines, one often-overlooked cause is a deviated nasal septum.
A deviated nasal septum, which refers to the divider between the left and right sides of the nose being bent, is a very common condition. It occurs in about 25% of newborns, mainly thought to be due to birth trauma. In adults, incidence reports have been reported as high as 86% when measured with CT scans.
Apart from nasal congestion, deviated nasal septum has been associated with headache. There are at least two reasons why this might be the case.
Cause #1: Sinus blockage
A deviated nasal septum can prevent the sinuses from draining properly. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial skeleton which connect to the nasal cavity through small openings. There are four of these on each side of the face – the frontal sinuses in the forehead, the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes, the maxillary sinuses under the eyes and the sphenoid sinuses behind and between the eyes.
If these openings are narrowed, mucus produced in the sinuses can remain in the sinus cavities and become infected, resulting in a sinus infection. This can cause headache and facial pressure or pain at the site of the corresponding sinus.
Cause #2: Contact point headaches
A “contact point” can form between the septum and the sidewall of the nose. This is thought to release neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that relay nerve signals. The nerve that provides sensation to the face and nasal cavity, called the trigeminal nerve, can then be activated and relay a vague pain signal to the brain. This can cause a persistent or recurrent headache. If this is the cause of the headache, a septoplasty (a procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum) can be curative. More conservative measures, such as allergy treatment, can also be effective in some situations.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of the headache. In many cases, conservative measures may be effective. These can include allergy management, nasal steroid sprays, or other medications to reduce inflammation and improve sinus drainage.
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, a procedure called a septoplasty may be recommended. Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the deviated septum and can improve airflow, restore normal sinus drainage, and in some cases relieve headaches—particularly when contact points are involved.
What should you do next?
Of course, many conditions can bring about headaches, and a deviated nasal septum is only one of them. Seeing a neurologist is a reasonable approach to establishing a clear diagnosis. That being said, if you’re dealing with persistent headaches along with nasal symptoms, a deviated septum could be part of the cause. We’re here to help you find answers and relief. Call or securely text our clinic today at 512-601-0303 to request an appointment.
Tagged with: headache, nasal, nasal septum, sinus headache
Posted in: Nasal Septum, sinus headache
