COVAX winds down with COVID vaccine shift to regular programs – University of Minnesota Twin Cities

A study based on patients in 11 South American countries shows that new daily persistent headache (NDPH) can be a clinical symptom after COVID.

"Persistent headache, with a prevalence ranging from 8 to 15% in the first six months after COVID-19 remission, is a frequent symptom," the authors of the study write. "However, limited knowledge exists regarding the clinical spectrum and predisposing factors."

The study, based on responses to an online survey conducted from April 15 to April 30, 2022, is published in BMC Infectious Diseases. The 421 participants were 18 years or older, had previously tested positive for COVID-19, and had an NDPH for at least 28 days. The survey contained four different sections assessing demographics, medical history, persistent headache characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination status.

The mean age was 40 years, and most participants were women (81.5%), with university education (76.2%). More than 90% described their COVID-19 infections as mild to moderate.

Among participants, 106 met the diagnostic criteria for NDPH. Persistent headache began during the first 2 weeks of COVID-19 in most participants (68.9%) with NDPH. Compared to those who had a non-NDPH headache, the most predominant clinical characteristics were occipital location (43.4% for NDPH vs. 28.3%), severe/unbearable intensity (70.8% vs. 56.8%), burning character (17% vs. 6.7%, and radiating pain (70.8% vs. 60%).

During the acute phase of COVID-19, patients with persistent headache reported neuropsychological spectrum symptoms more frequently.

Most participants were vaccinated against COVID-19 before developing persistent headache (60.3%), with no differences between the two groups, the authors said.

"During the acute phase of COVID-19, patients with persistent headache reported neuropsychological spectrum symptoms more frequently, such as fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and mental fog," the authors wrote. "Notably, during the acute phase of COVID-19, a higher proportion of cranial autonomic symptoms were observed in participants with NDPH. These symptoms include sweating of the face or forehead, drooping of the upper eyelid and/or pupillary constriction, and palpebral edema."

The authors concluded that healthcare workers should take a COVID-19 infection history in patients reporting NDPH.

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COVAX winds down with COVID vaccine shift to regular programs - University of Minnesota Twin Cities