Burning occipital headache with Palpebral edema during acute Covid phase may lead to persistent headache

With limited understanding of the clinical spectrum and influencing factors, persistent headaches are becoming a prevalent symptom post-COVID-19. A recent cross-sectional study published in the BMC Infectious Diseases focused on a subset of patients suffering with new daily persistent headache (NDPH).

This comprehensive survey involved a total of 421 participants from 11 Latin American countries that explored the characteristics of persistent headaches following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, one in four participants met the diagnostic criteria for NDPH which revealed a substantial incidence of this debilitating condition. 

The study was conducted on individuals over 18 who were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and reported persistent headaches through an online survey. The results indicated that most participants were female (82%), with an average age of 40 years. Over 90% reported mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and 58% had a history of headaches, primarily of migraine-type.

Distinct clinical characteristics emerged, including occipital location, severe intensity, burning character, and radiating pain in individuals who were diagnosed with NDPH. Also, the higher proportions of anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, myalgia, mental fog, and various other symptoms were reported in NDPH patients.