Middle Turbinate Osteoma Causing Migraine like Symptoms

Objective: To report an extremely rare case of an osteoma localized in a pneumatized middle turbinate and to emphasize the importance of a detailed otorhinolaryngological examination and imaging in headache patients, even in the presence of a previously diagnosed headache etiology. Features of the Case: A 50-year-old female patient presenting with symptoms of progressive headache on one side of the head, facial pain and nasal obstruction and attended to neurology department with a suspicion of migraine. Cranial MRI was performed with a report of normal cranial investigation and a mass in the middle turbinate. Therefore, patient was referred to otorhinolaryngology clinic. Treatment and Prognosis: The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the tumor and histopathological diagnosis confirmed the diagnosis of ‘osteoma’. She reported that she quitted taking analgesic medications following the operation. Conclusion: Sinonasal osteomas should be taken into consideration when dealing with a patient presenting with headache. Detailed otorhinolaryngological examination along with imaging in suspected cases may prevent misdiagnoses and unnecessary use of medications.