Characterization of persistent headache in post-COVID-19 patients

• Grant number: 24/16762-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Fernando Manzoni Lourencone
• Grantee: Beatriz Yukie Filosi Hasegawa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Campus Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, induces hyperactivation of cytokines and an exacerbated innate immune response that can persist even after the end of the infection, causing the condition known as "Long COVID". The available literature on the subject indicates that post-COVID-19 headache is one of the most relevant clinical manifestations, since it can be considered a possible chronic sequela of coronavirus infection and an indication of greater post-infectious symptoms. Objectives: The objective of the study is to characterize, through the application of a questionnaire, persistent post-COVID-19 headache, assess its incidence and the quality of life of individuals who present it. Patients and methods: Individuals over 18 years of age with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and complaints of persistent post-COVID-19 headache who volunteered after a public call will be evaluated, as long as they meet the above criteria. A questionnaire will be applied on headache characteristics before, during and after COVID-19 infection; questions on differentiation from other pre-existing headaches; questions related to diagnostic criteria for chronic headache attributed to systemic viral infection and new persistent daily headache, according to ICHD-3; and a HIT-6 quality of life questionnaire (Headache Impact Test). This study was approved by the HRAC/USP Research Ethics Committee and all participants must complete the Free and Informed Consent Form. The results obtained will be statistically analyzed, seeking to understand the characteristics of the new headache triggered by COVID-19 and its impacts on quality of life. Expected results: It is expected to find a relevant pattern in the headache of post-COVID-19 patients, associate it with other persistent complaints, determine its prevalence in the study population, differentiate it from other headaches and evaluate the impact of this symptom on quality of life.