How Long Does COVID Headache Last?

Symptoms and treatment are vital to determining how long COVID headaches last. However, it is also possible to experience headaches due to autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, and pandemic stress. Fortunately, existing treatments for COVID headaches generally work well. These include prescribed medications, mindfulness, and massage.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a COVID headache is a pain in the upper neck and head. Although most people experience this type of headache within 24 hours of infection, some sufferers experience it several days after the virus has caused the problem. COVID headaches can be debilitating headaches, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness. In most cases, the headaches go away within minutes of the patient taking painkillers, but sometimes they recur days or weeks later.

COVID-19-related headaches are generally treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. In severe cases, patients should seek emergency medical attention. If symptoms persist, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not drink alcohol, as alcohol can worsen the symptoms. Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation, and good sleep can also help alleviate the symptoms. However, patients should only take painkillers three times per week.

Diagnosis

COVID is a severe form of an acute respiratory syndrome caused by the coronavirus COVID-19. Headache is a common symptom. Although its mechanism is unknown, it usually occurs along with fever and systemic inflammation. The headaches usually develop within three days of symptoms, are frontal or holocranial, and have a pressure-like quality. The headaches tend to worsen with coughing and physical activity. Although COVID is a cause of COVID-19-associated headache, the headache symptoms do not differentiate it from other ailments.

Headaches caused by COVID-19 can range in severity from mild to severe. These headaches usually start on one side of the head and can last for up to 72 hours before getting better. People with frequent headaches are at risk of developing COVID-related headaches because they may become prone to the disease. Moreover, people with a history of migraine may also develop more frequent attacks of COVID-related headaches.

Treatment

Despite several available treatments, COVID sufferers still experience frequent headaches. Most patients respond well to existing COVID headache treatments, including massage, prescription drugs, and mindfulness. However, some patients still experience recurrent headaches, even after COVID treatment has ended. COVID-induced headaches are characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Sufferers may experience sensitivity to light, noise, and touch. These symptoms may exacerbate other COVID-related symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and respiratory issues. If you experience COVID-related headaches, you should consult your primary care provider to determine the best treatment. Over-the-counter painkillers can provide temporary relief, but they can have side effects.

Duration

The duration of COVID headache is often a key variable in diagnosing this condition. It is important to note that patients with COVID-19 are more likely to have long-lasting, bilateral headaches and analgesic resistance. In addition, there are some other characteristics of COVID headache that may help with diagnosis.

COVID-19 is neurogenic that causes a persistent headache in approximately 12% of patients. The most common symptom is COVID-19 and is characterized by a persistent ache that does not subside. In one study, 13% of patients reported continuing symptoms for more than one month. The pain was mainly frontal and bilateral in 71% of patients. Moreover, 98% of patients reported systemic symptoms as well. Additionally, female patients had a higher rate of pain than males, and their headaches were more intense than their male counterparts.