The International Tinnitus Journal

Effect of Septoplasty On relieving contact point headache

Introduction: The idea that headaches can be triggered by nasal or sinus abnormalities is well-established. The proposed mechanism involves mucosal contact between the nasal septum and the middle turbinate, which acts as a mechanical stimulus, triggering an axonal reflex that result in pain. Aim of the Study: This study aims to evaluate the pain relief in patients with septal deviation and contact point headaches over a 6-month postoperative septoplasty follow-up period. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with nasal septal deviation and headaches who underwent septoplasty surgery at Rizgary Teaching Hospital in Erbil between January 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023, were included in the study. The patients' ages ranged from 18 to 38 years, with an equal distribution of males (50%) and females (50%). Patients whose pain and headaches were relieved by the application of a piece of cotton soaked in 10% lidocaine to the contact point were included. Pain complaints were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The NOSE scale was also used preoperatively and at the 6-month postoperative mark to evaluate the outcome of the septoplasty. Final data were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics, with pain severity categorized as 0-3 mild, 4-6 moderate, and 7-10 severe. Results: Most patients reported a decrease in pain intensity postoperatively, with 33 patients (66%) experiencing complete relief. The difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS pain scores was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Removing contact points in patients with contact point headaches are highly effective in carefully selected patients.