Headache changes in individuals with migraine post-Covid-19: general characteristics of the acute phase and worsening of the migraine pattern

Introduction:The aim of this study was to investigate how infection with SARS-CoV-2 affected headache in individuals with migraine, and to identify characteristics associated with a worsening of the migraine post COVID-19. Methods:Observational study composed of 157 individuals with migraine and who had been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They were recruited from the database of the headache research group at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. The participants responded online to questions about their anthropometric data, history of infection with SARS-CoV-2, presence and characteristics of the headache in the acute phase, perception of a worsening of the migraine after infection, use of analgesics and prophylactic migraine medication. Validated digital questionnaires were used: Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12). The results of these questionnaires were compared to values previously recorded in the database, this information having been obtained prior to the infection with COVID-19. Results:The first symptom of infection was respiratory for 76/157 (48.7%) individuals, followed by headache with 18 (11.5%). Headache was present in the acute phase of COVID-19 in 142 (90.4%) participants. A worsening of the migraine pattern post-COVID-19 occurred in 48 (30.6%) participants and they mostly suffered from presence of headache [48/48 (100.0%) vs. 94/109 (86.2%); p=0.006], throbbing headache [46/48 (95.8%) vs. 63/109(57.8%); p<0.001] and which lasted longer (5 vs. 3 days; p=0.001). Prior to contracting COVID-19, these patients already were presenting with greater MIDAS score (31 vs. 13; p=0.001), ASC-12 score (8 vs. 4; p=0.004) and BDI score (14 vs. 10; p=0.033). After infection with COVID-19, those who suffered a worsening of the migraine pattern increased their use of analgesics [41/48 (85.4%) vs. 29/109 (26.6%); p<0.001], needed to adjust or substitute their prophylactic medication [30/48 (62.5%) vs. 37/109 (33.9%); p=0.004] and continued to be more severe with regard to the MIDAS scores (34 vs. 12; p=0.001) and BDI score (16 vs. 9; p=0.008). Conclusion:Individuals who notice a worsening in migraine post-COVID-19 have a more severe migraine condition prior to infection, have more prominent headache during the acute phase and, subsequently, present with greater disability.