Background
A pneumatized superior turbinate is a rare cause of headache.
Nasal endoscopy alone, does not provide us with adequate
information for this inaccessible area of the superior nasal
cavity. A coronal computed tomography (CT) must be obtained
to confirm the diagnosis.
Case presentation
We present a 40-year-old female with migraine-type headache
and nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy revealed a mild septal
deviation, a right middle concha bullosa and a paradoxically
curved middle turbinate on the left side. Coronal CT-scan
showed also the presence of a superior concha bullosa on the
left, which was in close contact with the nasal septum. The
patient underwent septoplasty and bilateral endoscopic sinus
surgery, including partial removal of both the pneumatized
middle turbinates in conjunction with gentle lateralization
and resection of the lower half of the left superior
turbinate. Prompt relief from headache and nasal symptoms was
obtained.
Conclusion
Pneumatized superior concha causing migrainous headache is a
rare finding. Endoscopic surgery may provide permanent relief
of symptoms.