SARS COV-2 is commonly known as COVID-19. It is a relatively new disease which means that information that is coming out changes dramatically as more information is accounted for. Recent studies have shown that there is a growing association between headaches and COVID-19 infections. During 2020, when COVID-19 was brand new, headaches were thought to present in roughly 10% of people with COVID-19. As more studies were conducted, this association grew to 14% – 19% of those infected. The groups most likely to develop COVID-19 related headaches were women and young people while patients that did not experience headaches seemed to be men and older. The causes of COVID related headaches are still being studied with several theories as to why headaches are caused.
What Type of Headache Does COVID Cause?
COVID-19 has been said to cause a different type of headaches than the normal tension headaches, cluster headaches, or migraines. Individuals with COVID-19 tend to experience a headache that presents itself with severe pressure around the whole head for an average of 7 days while others experience those symptoms for several months. COVID related headaches tend to be one of the first symptoms to present themselves after infection and are often associated with:
- Moderate to severe intensity
- Whole head pressure
- Pulsing sensation
- Pain around forehead, eyes, and left and right sides of the head
In more severe cases, COVID related headaches can cause sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and do not react to OTC medications. COVID related headaches are also associated with the onset of other symptoms, but these symptoms are a result of the COVID infection, rather than the headache associated with COVID-19.
What Causes COVID Headaches?
Headaches are not uncommon with viral infections, especially for those susceptible to headaches and migraines without an infection. There seems to be several direct and indirect factors that impact the likelihood someone infected with COVID will experience headaches. While the exact cause of COVID related headaches is still uncertain, there are several theories as to why headaches present themselves after infection. It has been theorized that the COVID infection may invade the brain tissue via a body’s olfactory system or by crossing the blood brain barrier. In the event that either of these circumstances are accurate, the infection can lead to inflammation which would cause the sensation of pressure in the head associated with COVID-19 headaches. These theories go as far to even associate the loss of smell with viral meningitis like symptoms which are often associated with inflammation around the brain. Other theories suggest that headaches are brought on by low oxygen levels, lack of sleep, dehydration, and malnutrition which can be caused by other symptoms of COVID-19 like respiratory problems, insomnia, and diarrhea.
How Long Does A COVID Headache Last?
The CDC indicates that most mild COVID related headache symptoms will disappear after 7 days. That said, most individuals who suffer from COVID related headaches experienced headaches symptoms that lasted between 1 – 2 weeks. 18% of COVID related headache sufferers experienced headaches that persisted for over 30 days and 10% experienced headaches that lasted for over 3 months.
How to Treat a COVID Headache?
Treatment of COVID related headaches is similar to how you would treat normal headaches. Ensuring that your body is well hydrated and rested are the first steps in mitigating COVID related headache symptoms. It is also important to avoid alcohol, reduce stress, and eat well to ensure that your body has the resources to recover. Taking OTC pain medications has been shown to have success against COVID related headaches in some instances, but other times have proven less effective. It is important to not over medicate which can exacerbate headache symptoms. If painkillers are used, paracetamol and ibuprofen are the best options and should be limited to 3 days a week. If COVID related headache symptoms persist it may be time to visit a physician to discuss alternative treatment options.
What Are Other Symptoms of COVID 19
While headache is a common early symptom of COVID-19, there are several other symptoms that may present themselves. Recent data that studied the impacts of the newest Omicron variant indicate that other symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches
- Loss of taste and smell
- Congestion
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
In most cases, symptoms are mild and will alleviate on their own with rest and self-care after several days to a week. In more severe cases, long-covid symptoms can last for several months after the infection passes.
When to See a Doctor?
During the peak of COVID, it was recommended that individuals stay isolated in quarantine unless severe symptoms presented themselves. In extreme cases, severe headache symptoms are known as “thunderclap” headaches. These types of headaches present themselves with severe pain in a matter of seconds. The reason these types of COVID related headaches are problematic, is because they may be a sign of bleeding in the brain. It is critical that medical attention is sought when these types of headaches occur. It is also important to seek medical treatment if a mild headache does not respond to medication and continues to get worse. Other COVID related symptoms that warrant a visit to urgent care include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or dizziness
- Blue or gray lips, face, or nails,
- Difficult staying awake or alert
When these other symptoms present themselves, it indicates that your body is not getting enough oxygen and that there is potentially fluid buildup inside your lungs that need to be addressed immediately. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor visit include blurred vision, speech problems, seizures, rash, stiff neck, weakness, or swelling in the legs. It is recommended that individuals receive COVID-19 vaccines to mitigate the likelihood of serious complications from COVID arising.
What is a Post COVID Headache?
Post COVID headaches are identified as persistent headaches that develop after the COVID infection passes. These long COVID symptoms tend to be more common in individuals who suffered from chronic headaches and migraines prior to infection with COVID exacerbating preexisting conditions. In these individuals, headache or migraine attacks become more frequent and intense. These symptoms last for 1 – 3 months in most individuals who suffer from post COVID headaches with a small percentage of individuals suffering symptoms for 6 months or more.
What Are Other Serious Neurologic Conditions That COVID Can Cause?
Headaches are not the only neurologic condition associated with COVID-19. There have been cases of encephalitis, hemorrhaging, seizures, and even stroke and blood clots. There are also instances of brain and spinal cord inflammation and a condition called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis which can result in numbness, tingling, fatigue, body cramps, dizziness, altered mental states, and seizures. These symptoms are more severe and are much less likely to occur but have still been reported in individuals who were infected with COVID-19.
Contact Headache TMJ – Los Angeles Pain Clinic Today
Headaches are a possible symptom of COVID-19 and may serve as an early warning sign. If you are experiencing headaches, contact our clinic so we can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options. Headache TMJ – Los Angeles Pain Clinic is led by Dr. Katayoun Omrani. As a leading board-certified Orofacial Pain specialist, Dr. Omrani has treated all types of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), head, facial, and cervical disorders. Our clinic serves patients in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
COVID Headache FAQs
What are the complications of COVID-19?
Headaches are just one of the symptoms to present themselves after a COVID infection. The more serious complications include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, septic shock, and even death in the most extreme cases.
What are the organs most affected by C OVID‐19?
While the brain can respond with pressure headaches, the most common organ affected by COVID-19 are the lungs. Fluid buildup in the lungs have led to countless deaths as individuals who suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome need to be intubated so they can receive oxygen.
Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?
Individuals who are at the highest risk of developing serious COVID related symptoms include older people with preexisting medical problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory problems, or diabetes.
