COVID-19 Headache
Is COVID-19 headache something you should be concerned about? Is headache even a symptom a COVID-19?
A small study published in the journal Headache in August discussed the headaches in 13 patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 (using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test). Here’s what they found:
- All patients experienced headache early on in the progression of COVID-19.
- The headaches started quickly, and were severe.
- They were accompanied by symptoms similar to migraine.
- Other more unusual symptoms: loss of smell, diarrhea and loss of appetite/weight loss.
- Most patients experienced headache for at least 3 days.
- Headaches were gone within two weeks.
The interesting thing is that these patients were otherwise experiencing only mild symptoms. In other words, in a patient who perhaps has experienced migraine before, COVID-19 could be easy to miss altogether.
So if you’re curious to know if you might have already had COVID-19, think about those past headache episodes, and especially look for the unusual symptoms mentioned above (#4).
We still have a lot to learn about COVID-19, and the many other coronaviruses that regularly fly around the world. But there does seem to be a COVID-19 headache. If you’re concerned, take the advice we’ve always given – if it’s an unusual headache for you, or if your symptoms change, go see a doctor as soon as possible.
Study abstract: Case Series of Headache Characteristics in COVID-19: Headache Can Be an Isolated Symptom