COVID-19 headaches often feel like a clamp or band pressing on the sides of the head. However, they may also occur in other areas of the head. Symptoms and treatments may vary.
People with COVID-19 can have several neurologic symptoms, which can affect their brains. These symptoms may include headaches, which may last for some time after they recover from the condition.
Several scientific studies have investigated COVID-19 headaches. They found that they often cause intense pain similar to tension headaches at the sides of the head.
People may also have several other COVID-19 symptoms, which can vary and may be mild or severe. Healthcare professionals may be able to treat a COVID-19 headache with several different methods, though some may need treatment in a healthcare facility.
This article discusses where a COVID-19 headache is located, what it feels like, and other COVID-19 symptoms.
![Female sitting at a table with a headache](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/woman-table-headache-1296x728-header-1024x575.jpg)
Most headaches from COVID-19
Several scientific studies
One
They found that in about half of cases, a COVID-19 headache is usually diffuse and bilateral. This means it can occur spread out and on both sides of the head. However, they found that in some cases, it can instead be:
- at the front of the head
- at the back of the head, with pain behind the eyes.
Other studies investigated COVID-19 headaches, including a
Headaches from COVID-19
In the earlier
These headaches can
- dull pain
- tightness
- pressure that may feel like a clamp or a band pushing on a person’s head
In the
- pressing in 41% of cases
- exploding in 26% of cases
- throbbing or dull in about 16% of cases each
Headache and migraine resources
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for headaches and migraine, visit our dedicated hub.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may range from mild to severe and
- fever or chills
- coughing
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- congestion, or runny nose
- a new loss of taste or smell
- fatigue
- muscle or body aches
Headaches
- fever
- conjunctival injection, or red eyes
- nausea
- vomiting
- photophobia, or being very sensitive to light
- phonophobia, or being very sensitive to sound
The study also found people tended to feel more intense headaches if they:
- had a fever
- were female
- had dehydration
COVID-19 headaches with dehydration also tended to last longer.
Read more about COVID-19 symptoms.
If a person has COVID-19 or may have COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home and away from others, including people they live with who are not sick.
They
- being an older adult
- being a young child
- having a weakened immune system
- being pregnant
If a person has severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, they need to seek emergency medical attention immediately. They need to notify healthcare workers they may have COVID-19, especially if they go to a healthcare facility.
Scientists are still researching the best treatment options for COVID-19 headaches. Some treatments may include abortive analgesics, such as acetaminophen, and pain relief medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
However, according to a
- migraine medications that healthcare professionals administer in a healthcare facility, such as:
- prochlorperazine
- metoclopramide
- subcutaneous sumatriptan
- antiseizure medications, such as lacosamide
If a person suspects they have a COVID-19 headache, they need to seek medical advice for correct and safe treatment.
Should I get tested for COVID-19 if I have a headache?
The
How long do post-COVID headaches last?
According to a
COVID-19 headaches tend to be bilateral or at the sides of the head. They may also be at the front or back of the head or behind the eyes.
They may feel pulsating or tightening, with intense pain that lasts for some time.
A person may have several other symptoms of COVID-19, including headaches that may last for several months after the infection.
Healthcare professionals can use several methods to treat a COVID-19 headache, including pain medication.
If a person thinks they may have COVID-19, they need to seek medical advice and follow appropriate guidelines. If they have trouble breathing or other concerning symptoms, they need to seek emergency medical attention.