Headaches are a common symptom of viral diseases. Anyone who has survived the infection is usually free of headaches. Not so with headaches that occur in connection with acute Covid 19 disease. As a review in a journal of the American Headache Society shows, the headaches persist in up to 45 percent of people even after the acute Covid 19 illness. 60 days later, 16.5 percent still suffered from the headaches, 10.6 percent after 90 days and 8.4 percent after six months. “In view of the high number of infections and now more than 30 million people in Germany who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 so far, the absolute number of people whose lives are impaired in the long term by headaches as a result of Covid-19 is very high” , explains Prof. Hans-Christoph Diener, spokesman for the German Society for Neurology (DGN). Risk factors for the ongoing headaches after Covid-19 are female gender, headaches as the first Covid-19 symptom, a rather poor response to pain medication and pre-existing headache diseases.
Chronic headache is difficult to treat
The therapy of persistent headaches is a challenge: Although conventional, over-the-counter headache relievers work relatively well for Covid-19-associated headaches, they are problematic for two reasons: First, it is known that SARS-CoV-2 also attacks the kidneys directly . Therefore, one should be careful with painkillers from the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen, as these preparations can in rare cases damage the kidneys if taken for a long time. The second danger is that headache pills, if taken too frequently, can in turn trigger headaches – and this creates a vicious circle that leads to chronification.
“People with headaches that have lasted for weeks or even months after a Covid-19 illness should therefore use headache tablets sparingly in order not to get caught in the ‘hamster wheel’ of drug-induced headaches,” advises Professor Peter Berlit, DGN Secretary General. “Of course, that’s easier said than done, but it’s definitely worth trying out non-drug strategies.” The portfolio ranges from exercise in the fresh air, applying peppermint oil to the forehead and neck to relaxation techniques and stress reduction. In severe cases, Berlit advises going to a practice with a neurological focus.