ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE This objective of this study was to investigate intranasal anatomic abnormalities in cases of contact point headaches caused by contact between the nasal septum and the lateral nasal wall,as well as the clinical outcomes in these cases treated by endoscopic sinonasal surgery. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on 58 cases that met the criteria of having contact points between the septum and the lateral nasal wall, as demonstrated by CT scans of the sinuses and endoscopic examinations. These patients underwent surgical intervention in order to correct the contact points. They were re-evaluated for clinical parameters three months after the surgical correction of their anatomic abnormalities. RESULTS Abnormal nasal septa, enlarged turbinates and other anatomic abnormalities were the most common findings in contact point headaches. Fifty-eight patients underwent surgical correction of intranasal anatomic abnormalities. After follow-up periods of 3-18 mouths, 32 patients were cured, 23 were relieved to an extent, and 3 did not benefit. A significant decrease in the severity and frequency of headaches was noted after surgery. CONCLUSION Pressure from mucosal contact between the septum and lateral nasal wall mucosa is the key cause of contact point headaches, as seen in CT scans of the sinuses and endoscopic examinations. Clinically significant pain may improve after surgical correction of intranasal anatomic abnormalities.