Prevalence and Risk Factors of Headache Associated with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Headache is a frequent and debilitating non-respiratory symptom of COVID-19.
• It presents a significant challenge in the context of post-COVID syndrome.
• Understanding its characteristics and risk factors is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of COVID-related headaches.
• To identify distinct headache phenotypes, risk factors, and potential biomarkers.
• To assess the long-term persistence and impact of these headaches.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 634 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Follow-up of 295 patients 12-15 months post-discharge via telephone.
• Comparison of laboratory parameters between headache and non-headache groups.

Main Results:

• One-third of patients experienced headaches, more common in younger individuals and women.
• Headache phenotypes varied, including tension-type and migraine-like features.
• Persistent headaches were reported by 50% of patients at 12-15 months; dexamethasone reduced long-COVID headache incidence.

Conclusions:

• Headache is a common sequela of COVID-19 with diverse presentations.
• Persistent headaches are a significant issue in long-COVID syndrome.
• Dexamethasone shows promise in mitigating long-COVID headaches, necessitating personalized treatment strategies.