Treatment of Headache in Post COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID)
Persistent headache is a recognised symptom in patients with long COVID (Post COVID-19 condition). When headache continues beyond the acute infection phase and impacts daily function, a structured clinical approach is required to identify its type and guide appropriate treatment.
Clinical scenario
This protocol applies to patients with Post COVID-19 condition presenting with headache. Before initiating symptomatic treatment, secondary causes of headache must be excluded. Once primary headache is established and symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, a targeted treatment approach is warranted.
Treatment approach — partial overview
Acute headache episodes may be managed with specific categories of pain-relieving or migraine-directed therapy, with the choice informed by attack severity. The complete selection criteria, therapeutic sequence, and any preventive considerations are set out in the full structured protocol.
Full regimen, drug selection, and management algorithm available via the protocol link below.
References
DOI: 10.3947/ic.2024.0024
- After excluding secondary headaches, symptomatic treatment is provided for primary headaches. In particular, if migraine-like symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, preventive treatment for migraines should be considered (G, IIa).
- During a headache attack, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and triptans can be used as treatment for acute episodes.
- For moderate to severe headache episodes, triptans can be considered.
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