If youre currently living withmigraines, you may be wondering how your condition could be affected byCOVID-19.
Research is ongoing, and we continue to learn more.
A study published in 2021 found that COVID-19 infection seemed to worsen existing migraine or tension-jot down headaches.
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About a quarter of people in the study also reported experiencing new headaches after having COVID.
Their symptoms were most often described as migraine-like.
These headaches typically resolved within a month after the infection.
The headaches are often accompanied by loss of smell and may be migraine- or tension-pop in.
People with a history of migraines may be impacted by the pandemic for a variety of reasons.
Increased stress, social isolation, changes in routine, and sleep disruptions can all contribute to migraine attacks.
Participants also experienced more painful migraines, with 64% reporting an increase in migraine severity.
The social aspects of the pandemic greatly affected participants.
About 78% experienced sleep disturbances, and 80% reported feelings of anxiety or depression.
The majority of patients stated that they increased their screen time and decreased their activity time during quarantine.
Fortunately, 16% of respondents reported fewer migraines during the pandemic.
The study authors believed this was due to less work stress because participants were working from home.
Barriers to Treatment
Medical care for migraines has been impacted by the pandemic.
At the start of the pandemic, there was a concern thatNSAIDsmay be dangerous during an active coronavirus infection.
Opioid medicationssuch as oxycodone or morphine are not recommended for migraine use, even during a coronavirus infection.
Opioids can lead to rebound headaches and make getting your migraines under control much more challenging.
Program leaders found that patients were very satisfied with the telehealth program and regularly attended the calls.
Patients who took part in the program reported an improvement in migraine symptoms.
Do your best to limit screen time, and find ways to stay connected with your social support system.
Talk with your healthcare provider about a home plan for when you feel a migraine coming on.
Telehealth appointments may provide a more convenient way for you to receive the care you need.
Ask your neurologist or a headache specialist if they are offering telehealth visits.
Its important to stay in communication with your healthcare provider if you develop a headache during your illness.
If the head pain is out of control, consider seeking emergency medical treatment.
Fortunately, it does not appear that a history of migraines puts you at higher risk for the virus.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed.
As new research becomes available, well update this article.
For the latest on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
You may take your migraine medications as usual before receiving the vaccine.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how to manage a post-vaccine headache if you have questions.
At this time, it does not appear that having COVID-19 is more dangerous for people with migraines.
It may be more uncomfortable though.
Uygun O, Ertas M, Ekizoglu E, et al.Headache characteristics in COVID-19 pandemic-a survey study.J Headache Pain.
2022;23(1):93.
2021 Mar;61(3):409-411. doi:10.1111/head.14086
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine.
