For some individuals with chronic migraines, the source of the pain isn’t in the brain—it’s inside the nose. Structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, septal spur, enlarged turbinates, or contact points within the nasal cavitycan place constant pressure on branches of the trigeminal nerve, triggering recurring migraine headaches. These patients often experience pain behind the eyes, around the bridge of the nose, or in the sinus region and may be mistakenly diagnosed with chronic sinus headaches for years.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Totonchi specializes in nasal trigger migraine surgery, an advanced procedure that relieves nerve compression by correcting the underlying anatomical abnormalities within the nose. Using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques whenever appropriate, Dr. Totonchi creates personalized treatment plans designed to improve nasal breathing while helping reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. Every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a nasal trigger point is contributing to their chronic headaches before surgery is recommended.
The idea for this trigger point is that contact points and pressure between septum and turbinates can cause irritation of superficial branches of the trigeminal system and can cause pain behind the eye. surgery is done to eliminate the contact points by septoplasty, turbinate reduction or resection of conchea bullusa. surgery can be done endoscopically, by direct vision or combination. this surgery usually takes about 30min-1h based on technique used and severity of the pathology.
If your migraines begin around your eyes, nose, or sinus area and haven’t responded to medications or other conservative treatments, a nasal trigger point may be the underlying cause. By correcting the structural abnormalities that compress sensitive nerves inside the nose, nasal trigger migraine surgery can provide long-term relief for carefully selected patients while also improving nasal airflow and overall quality of life.
During your consultation, Dr. Totonchi will carefully review your migraine history, evaluate your nasal anatomy, and determine whether you’re a candidate for nasal trigger migraine surgery. Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual symptoms and anatomy, ensuring the most effective approach to achieving lasting relief.
Take the first step toward breathing easier and living with fewer migraines. Contact Totonchi Plastic Surgery today at (216) 778-2262 for our Cleveland and Westlake locations or (440) 461-7999 for our Lyndhurst location to schedule your personalized nasal trigger migraine consultation.
