COVID-19 Infection-related Headache: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which caused a global pandemic and then became an endemic condition. COVID-19 infection may be associated with clinical manifestations such as respiratory symptoms and systemic diseases, including neurological disorders, notably headaches. Headaches are a common neurological symptom in individuals infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, with the transition to endemicity, COVID-19 infection-related headaches may reportedly persist in the acute phase of COVID-19 infection and in the long term after COVID-19 infection resolves. Persistent headaches after COVID-19 infection can be a significant concern for patients, potentially leading to disability. The present review discusses the clinical characteristics and potential underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 infection-related headaches.