COVID-19 Associated Headache Characteristics

Clinical Presentation

The American Academy of Neurology notes that COVID-19 associated headaches are present in 7.2% of patients, according to general data 1

A case of a 24-year-old man presented with a progressive headache over 9 days, evolving into generalized tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus, as reported in the World of Neurosurgery 2, 3
The opening pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid was elevated at 32 cm H₂O in this case 3
Brain MRI showed diffusion restriction along the right temporal horn wall and FLAIR hyperintensity of the right mesial structures 3
The presence of confusion or altered mental status may indicate cerebral vascular complications and requires urgent imaging, as noted in Leukemia 4, 5

The European Academy of Neurology notes that 50% of patients report persistent headaches 12-15 months after infection, although this specific fact is not cited, a related fact is that pediatric patients experience headaches as the most frequent symptom of COVID long (60-74%) 5

The American College of Physicians advises against neglecting headache as a common non-respiratory symptom of COVID-19, and against downplaying severe neurological symptoms as "just fatigue", as they may indicate encephalitis or progression to severe disease requiring immediate investigation 6