Is there a link between COVID-19 and headaches?

COVID-19 has several presenting symptoms, one of which is a headache.

This virus operates differently than a lot of many other viruses. Anosmia, or a loss of sense of smell, is one of the first signs that patients experience before developing a cough. They may get severe headaches at that time. Sometimes the cough may not appear for a few days. This anosmia might be caused by the virus crossing across and infiltrating the subchondral plate (near the nasal cavity) in their brain, resulting in a viral meningitis-like image.

What additional major neurologic problems might COVID-19 cause?

There are a few. Encephalitis, seizures, an increased risk of stroke, a blood clot in the brain, and hemorrhagic encephalitis are the more dangerous symptoms.

We've seen inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, a condition known as ADEM (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis), and another that appears to be a multiple sclerosis attacks, with symptoms such as tingling, loss of feeling, fatigue, cramps, tightness, and dizziness, as well as altered mental status and seizures.

There's a link between COVID and lung failure as well.

COVID-19 causes what kind of headache, and how does it relate to a migraine?

I've seen people with post-COVID-19 headaches both while they're sick and in follow-up, often months after they've recovered from COVID. The intense headache lasts a few days in some people, but it might last months in others.

It usually manifests as intense pressure aches throughout the brain. It's not the same as a migraine, which is characterized by unilateral throbbing, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. COVID headaches are more of a generalized pressure in the head.

Then what should you keep in mind?

I double-check that I haven't overlooked any of the more concerning circumstances. I frequently have to order imaging for these patients, and they will have an MRI to ensure that we are not seeing stroke or encephalitis. I use venous scanning to make sure there are no clots in my veins. The reason for this is that COVID patients are more likely to develop blood clots.

The American Society of Hematology recommends that anybody who is actively infected take aspirin (81 mg) regularly to assist reduce the risk of clots.

We may offer gabapentin (300 to 900 mg, administered overnight) to individuals who are experiencing residual headaches after using COVID.

How can someone who suffers from migraines caused by stress cope with the lingering pandemic?

We're all weathering the storm, and every one of us is dealing with it differently depending on how much stress we're under. It might be a family member's illness, or their own, or financial pressures, among other things. People have a lot on their plates. Stress management and mindfulness practice may be incredibly beneficial. I've also begun to perform more yoga, meditation, and deep breathing techniques.

That isn't always enough. Although I believe that is an important first line of defense, we must understand when medicine and psychotherapy are required to aid patients. If stress is the primary cause of the increase in headaches, treating stress and mental health rather than simply throwing additional drugs at the problem will be critical. Treating the underlying cause of uptick is more essential than bandaging it, much like any other health problem.

Any general advice for someone worried about migraines, whether they've had a migraine before or are worried about getting one?

One of my top bits of advice will always be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Check to see whether you're getting enough sleep and maintaining a sleep schedule. With the loss of many normal living activities, it is critical to retain some semblance of a predictable schedule. Even if you're on your own, I recommend getting up at the same time that you used to, getting dressed, eating meals, exercising, and going to sleep at the regular times.