ask: is there a sinus cavity at the base of your skull?
I have a knot that is VERY sensitive to the touch on the left side of the base of my skull. There is nothing on my scalp, so I know that it is internal. It burns and my scalp tingles in that area almost making my scalp itch, but I cant touch it. I have recently been sick with a sinus infection and was told I may have an infection in my sinuses on the back of my head. It is really painful.
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chriscourt2 - We do not have sinus cavities at the base of the skull or the back of our heads. The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that have openings into the nose.
Each sinus is named for the bone in which it is located:
* Maxillary (one sinus located in each cheek)
* Ethmoid (approximately 6-12 small sinuses per side, located between the eyes)
* Frontal (one sinus per side, located in the forehead)
* Sphenoid (one sinus per side, located behind the ethmoid sinuses, near the middle of the skull)
I would urge you to see your healthcare professional to determine what this is and get relief from the pain. There could be many causes, including an infection, swollen lymph nodes, muscle tightness and more. This isn't something you should try to diagnose and treat on your own. Please let us know what you learn, and we hope you're feeling better soon.
Take care,
December 27, 2010 - 7:27pmPat
This Comment
I have a similar problem which is why I asked about sinus' which lead me to you. The pain at the base of my skull is intense, especially when I bend down or even sit down. I have a cold (the 4th one in 2 months) but never had pain in this area before and a continuous headache full stop. I've went to the doctor two weeks ago and bloods came back normal to infection, although this cold only hit me two days ago. Please help as I feel the docs think I'm a nuisance!
January 21, 2011 - 9:07amAngie
Did your doctor determine whether you had a sinus infection or provide you with anything to treat your sinus infection or give you any advice on this? Sinus issues can cause severe headaches, and even colds can result in bad ones too. Here's some information to help: http://www.american-rhinologic.org/patientinfo.headache.phtml
January 21, 2011 - 5:58pmHi Pat,
Thank you for replying, I went to out of hours doctors this morning and was diagnosed with having sinus infection and am now taking Augmentin 625mg and pain killers.
January 22, 2011 - 4:53pmHopefully tomorrow I will feel more human.
Anon - So glad you took those steps to take care of your health!! I've had some horrible sinus headaches in the past, and appreciate how bad you must feel right now. There are some things you can do to help with the headaches, which I found on Web M.D. Sure hope you are feeling back to your normal self soon! Pat
January 23, 2011 - 1:08pm* Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.
* Take a warm bath or shower; take a nap; or take a walk.
* Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage.
* Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.
* Rest, sit, or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders.
Pat,
Thank you for those tips, I will certainly keep hold of them just in case of any future problems, athough I really hope I will never need them again. My first sinus headache, which is still present but less severe, and hopefully my last one! Sympathy to you if you suffer a lot with them.
January 23, 2011 - 4:42pmThank you very much for your time & care in helping me.
Take care,
Andrea :o)
While we do not have cavities or sinuses in the back of the head, we do have lymph nodes. Sounds like your Suboccipital lymph node was quite irritated and it's good you got that taken care of.
June 28, 2011 - 6:07pm