Headaches

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Headaches are a common symptom of COVID-19. Studies show that COVID-19 can cause up to 15% to 40% of cases of headaches. Most patients with COVID-19 report that their headaches improve within two weeks, but they may last a few weeks longer. A Post-COVID headache is a persistent headache that develops after having COVID-19. These headaches can last for weeks or even months after testing negative for the virus.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE

Many people with Post-COVID headaches experience them daily, or almost every day. Some also experience sensitivity to light, sound and touch. Post-COVID headaches often occur after doing too much activity. You may find that if you don’t take frequent breaks, you can develop a debilitating headache that takes hours to resolve. You may also notice that on particularly stressful days, you develop a headache more easily than normal.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Headaches are often a feature of viral infections, but for most people, a headache doesn’t always mean that the virus is still present in the body. The following are patient groups who are more at risk for developing Post-COVID, also known as Long COVID, headaches compared to other groups:

People who have experienced more severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or required intensive care

People who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine

People who experienced multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) during or after COVID-19 illness

SYMPTOMS

Frequent headaches and/or migraines.

Sensitivity to light, sound, smells and movement.

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

MANAGEMENT

The following tips may help you manage Post-COVID headaches:

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Monitor for triggers and avoid triggering situations

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Take medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil)

Seek help if you experience any of the following:
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You have a headache that occurs two or more days a week.

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You are using headache medications for more than two to three days per week.

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You have a moderate to severe headache that persists despite preventive therapies or simple painkillers.

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You experience significant disability associated with your headaches.

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You are allergic to headache medications.

Some headaches require immediate medical attention. These include the following:

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Headaches with “thunderclap” onset (sudden severe onset of the headache, described as a clap of thunder, hence the name) which usually occurs during bleeding in the brain

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Headaches with a reduced level of consciousness

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Headaches associated with fever and signs of meningeal inflammation (neck stiffness, photophobia, nausea and vomiting) which is suggestive of brain infection

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Headaches associated with signs of glaucoma (sudden, severe eye pain or blurred vision)

Take Charge of Your Recovery

Learn self-management techniques with other long haulers in the Post-COVID Support Community. Joint now on our Forever Free plan to start your recovery journey today.