COVID-19, Headache, MRI
Conditions
Keywords
COVID-19, headache, MRI, brain, white matter lesion
Brief summary
Introduction: The clinical manifestations of the COVID-19 pandemic are heterogeneous and may include various symptoms (gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological). Approximately 25% of patients report headache as a neurological symptom, making it the fifth most common symptom. These headaches may arise from structural brain changes associated with the infection. Purpose: This study aims to identify the structural abnormalities observed in brain MRI that correlate with chronic headaches in patients who had COVID-19 infection. Methods: The study included 30 patients with post-COVID-19 headaches and 30 control patients with no history of COVID-19. Demographic characteristics were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests. MRI findings were categorized into six types: cortical atrophy, white matter lesions, vascular lesions, lacunar lesions, vascular encephalopathy, and sinusitis. Differences in MRI findings between the two groups were evaluated using chi-square tests. Secondary outcomes included the analysis of symptoms accompanying headaches, diagnoses following MRI, and treatments applied.
Interventions
This is an observational study evaluating brain structural abnormalities in post-COVID headache patients. No experimental intervention is applied.
Sponsors
University of Pecs
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥18 years * History of COVID-19 infection * Persistent headache following COVID-19 infection * Brain MRI requested by the attending physician
Exclusion criteria
* Prior neurological disease or disorder * MRI contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, metal implants, claustrophobia)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants with Specific Structural Brain Abnormalities Observed on MRI | From September 2020 to December 2022 | Brain MRI scans were analyzed to determine the number of participants with specific structural abnormalities, including white matter lesions, cortical atrophy, vascular encephalopathy, lacunar infarcts, and sinusitis. Each abnormality was evaluated separately, and the number of participants affected by each type was recorded. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants Reporting Additional Symptoms Associated with Post-COVID-19 Headache | From September 2020 to December 2022 | The number of participants experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and visual disturbances was recorded. Each symptom was assessed separately and reported as the number of affected participants. |
| Number of Participants Diagnosed with Specific Conditions After MRI | From September 2020 to December 2022 | Following MRI evaluation, the number of participants diagnosed with specific conditions (e.g., migraines, post-COVID headache, vestibular syndrome) was recorded. Each diagnosis was evaluated and reported separately. |
| Number of Participants Receiving Specific Treatment Approaches for Post-COVID-19 Headache | From September 2020 to December 2022 | The number of participants receiving pharmacological treatments (e.g., cognitive enhancers, antidepressants) and lifestyle modifications was recorded. Each treatment approach was assessed separately and reported as the number of affected participants. |
Countries
Hungary
Outcome results
None listed