Forgotten No More: The Superior Turbinate in Migraine-Inducing Mucosal Compression

Abstract

Headache disorders are among the most common and disabling health conditions, with migraine representing a major contributor to global disease burden. Although the nasal endoscope has greatly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal diseases, clinical attention has largely focused on the middle meatus and septal abnormalities, while the superior turbinate has been overlooked. Historically described as the "forgotten turbinate," the superior turbinate may play an important role in rhinogenic headache and migraine through mucosal contact with the nasal septum. This review examines historical observations, clinical studies, neuroanatomical pathways, and biomechanical mechanisms that support mucosal compression between the septum and middle and superior turbinates as causes of migraine.