Headache Worsening after COVID-19 Vaccination: An Online Questionnaire-Based Study on 841 Patients with Migraine

Comparing the consequences of COVID-19 vaccination between central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases and other neurological disorders

BACKGROUND

Vaccination constitutes a crucial preventive measure against COVID-19 infection. Concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of vaccines in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients due to various immunomodulatory medications and potential adverse events that may impact neurological function. This study aimed to explore the implications of COVID-19 vaccination within MS and NMSOD patients and compare it with other neurological disorders (OND).

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran, baseline data and information on COVID-19 infections and vaccinations were collected from MS, NMOSD, and OND patients between September 2021 and September 2022. The predominant neurological disorders identified among OND patients encompassed headache, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Logistic regression analysis was employed to compare COVID-19 vaccination outcomes among different patient groups, presenting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The study included 1,307 participants, with 738 having MS, 96 having NMOSD, 76 having clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and 397 having OND. Significantly higher odds of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection were detected in MS (OR = 3.86, p < 0.001) NMOSD (OR = 2.77, p = 0.015) patients than OND patients. The prior history of COVID-19 infection and the type of vaccine administered did not demonstrate significant associations with the likelihood of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD patients (p > 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the rates of adverse events in MS, NMOSD, and OND patients, except the second dose, where NMOSD patients had lower odds than OND patients (OR = 0.55, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Although the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination in MS and NMOSD was similar to that in OND, the rates of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD seem higher than OND. These findings highlight the importance of regular serological monitoring and the potential advantages of supplementary vaccine doses in MS and NMOSD patients.

Effects of vaccination on COVID-19 infection symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients

Background

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at higher risk of having infections due to receiving disease modifying therapies. The current study was conducted among Iranian MS patients who had experienced at least one episode of COVID-19 infection in order to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on symptoms of their infection. Data on demographic information, MS characteristics, COVID-19 infection details, and vaccination status were collected. Statistical analyses, were performed to evaluate the association between vaccination and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on confirmed MS patients. Demographic data and COVID-19 related symptoms were gathered via an online questionnaire. Confirmation of patients' who declared to be vaccinated was checked by their COVID-19 vaccination card.

Results

A total of 236 MS patients participated in the study. The majority were female (79.7%), with a mean age of 36.1 ± 7.9 years. Among the participants, 72.5% had received the COVID-19 vaccine before their first episode of COVID-19 infection. The analysis showed a significant difference in the incidence of respiratory symptoms (P-value: 0.01) and headache (P-value: 0.04) between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that vaccinated MS patients had lower odds of developing respiratory symptoms (OR:0.29, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.53, P-value<0.001) or headache (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.98, P-value: 0.04) during their next COVID-19 infection episode. Moreover, MS patients who were receiving immunosuppressive drugs were less likely to have respiratory symptoms (OR:0.35, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.77, P-value:0.009) but not headache (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.60, P-value: 0.39).

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the incidence of respiratory symptoms and headaches in MS patients during COVID-19 infection episodes. Additionally, patients who are receiving immunosuppressive drugs may benefit from COVID-19 vaccination.

Occurrence of new or more severe headaches following COVID-19 is associated with markers of microglial activation and peripheral sensitization: results from a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

New onset or worsening of a headache disorder substantially contributes to the disease burden of post-COVID-19. Its management poses a suitable means to enhance patients' participation in professional, social, and personal activities. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of post-COVID-19 headaches is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the role of (neuro-) inflammatory mechanisms in order to guide the development of anti-inflammatory treatment strategies.

METHODS

We included patients from the interdisciplinary post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Study (PoCoRe, n = 184 patients) run at a tertiary care university hospital, comprising patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection ≥ 6 weeks prior to their initial consultation. Patients reporting any headache since their infection were considered for this study (n = 93). These were interviewed and classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (ICHD-3) by headache specialists. Patient sera were additionally analysed for levels of VILIP-1, MCP-1 (CCL2), sTREM-2, BDNF, TGF-ß1, VEGF, IL-6, sTREM-1, ß-NGF, IL-18, TNF-alpha, sRAGE, and CX3CL1 (Fractalkine). Markers of inflammation were compared between four groups of patients (none, unchanged, worsened, or new headache disorder).

RESULTS

Patients reported experiencing more severe headaches (n = 17), new onset headaches (n = 46), unchanged headaches (n = 18), and surprisingly, some patients denied having any headaches (n = 12) despite self-reports. Serum levels of CX3CL1 were increased in the worsened (2145 [811-4866] pg/ml) and new onset (1668 [0-7357] pg/ml) headache group as compared to patients with no (1129 [0-5379] pg/ml) or unchanged (1478 [346-4332] pg/ml) headaches. Other markers also differed between groups, but most significantly between patients with worsened (TGF-ß1: 60 [0-310] pg/ml, VEGF: 328 [86-842] pg/ml, ß-NGF: 6 [3-38] pg/ml) as compared to unchanged headaches (TGF-ß1: 29 [0-77] pg/ml, VEGF: 183 [72-380] pg/ml, ß-NGF: 3 [2-89] pg/ml). The results did not differ between headache phenotypes.

DISCUSSION

This study provides evidence that worsened or new headaches following COVID-19 are associated with pro-(neuro-)inflammatory profiles. This supports the use of anti-inflammatory treatment options in this population, especially in the subacute phase.

A Comparison of the Immunogenicity and Safety of an Additional Heterologous versus Homologous COVID-19 Vaccination among Non-Seroconverted Immunocompromised Patients after a Two-Dose Primary Series of mRNA Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of an additional heterologous (viral vector) versus homologous (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine dose among non-seroconverted immunocompromised patients after a two-dose primary series of mRNA vaccine. We searched studies published up to 21 June 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The meta-analysis was conducted to compare the seropositivity rates based on anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG (anti-S IgG) and SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell immune response rates, assessed by interferon-γ release assay at 4 weeks, and the incidences of serious adverse events (SAEs) within 28 days between the two vaccine regimens. In four included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there were no statistically significant differences in the seropositive rate of anti-S IgG (risk ratio [RR]: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.48-1.29) and the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 interferon-γ (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.96-1.48) between heterologous and homologous regimens. The heterologous regimen exhibited a significantly lower incidence of injection pain (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.45-0.69), but a higher incidence of headache (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02-2.02) compared with the homologous regimen. No vaccine-related SAEs were reported within 28 days following vaccination. An additional heterologous or homologous COVID-19 vaccine dose was well tolerated and demonstrated a comparable vaccine immunogenicity among non-seroconverted immunocompromised patients who were initially vaccinated with a two-dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This finding supports the recommendations of an extended primary series of COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised persons.

A retrospective cohort study: is COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination a trigger factor for cluster headache?

OBJECTıVE: Cluster headache (CH) is a coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination-related adverse event. There are a few case reports of relapses or de novo cluster episodes following the vaccine. The disease's pathophysiology is still not clear. The most widely accepted mechanism is activation of the trigeminocervical complex (TCC). However, the correlation between vaccination and CH is unexplainable. Its goal is to compare the CH bouts of patients before and after the vaccine.

METHODS

Patients with a history of CH and who had never experienced COVID-19 illness during the pandemic were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. The semi-structured survey was administered face to face to 24 CH patients (16 male). The headache features before and after vaccination were detailed in this survey.

RESULTS

18 patients got vaccinated twice, and 6 of them had no vaccination. After the first vaccination, 83.3% of them had CH bout; after the second vaccination, 72.2% of them had CH bout. We divided headache episodes into three groups: (1) before vaccination, (2) after the first vaccination, and (3) after the second vaccination. The third group had a higher pain intensity (9.30 ± 0.630, p = 0.047) and remitting longer (20.00 ± 5.40 days, p = 0.019) than the other groups. The management of the 53.3% bouts after vaccinations was less effective than the usual episodes.

CONCLUSION

Most ECH patients experienced new bouts more intense and longer duration after vaccinations than their previous bouts, the mechanism, and pathogenesis of the bouts are the subject of future research. The new studies can be a light for understanding the CH pathophysiology more deeply.

The molecular fingerprint of neuroinflammation in COVID-19: A comprehensive discussion on molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation due to SARS-COV2 antigens

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 attacks the neural system directly and indirectly via various systems, such as the nasal cavity, olfactory system, and facial nerves. Considering the high energy requirement, lack of antioxidant defenses, and high amounts of metal ions in the brain, oxidative damage is very harmful to the brain. Various neuropathic pain conditions, neurological disorders, and neuropsychiatric complications were reported in Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and after Coronavirus disease 2019 immunization. This manuscript offers a distinctive outlook on the interconnectedness between neurology and neuropsychiatry through its meticulous analysis of complications.

DISCUSSION

After recovering from Coronavirus disease 2019, approximately half of the patients reported developing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Long Coronavirus disease 2019 imaging reports illustrated the hypometabolism in various parts of the brain, such as olfactory bulbs, limbic/paralimbic domains, the brainstem, and the cerebellum. Ninety imaging and neuropathological studies of Coronavirus disease 2019 have shown evidence of white matter, brainstem, frontotemporal, and oculofrontal lesions. Emotional functions, such as pleasant, long/short-term memory, movement, cognition and cognition in decision-making are controlled by these regions. The neuroinflammation and the mechanisms of defense are well presented in the discussion. The role of microglia activation, Inducible NO synthase, Cyclooxygenases ½, Reactive oxygen species, neurotoxic toxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha are highlighted in neuronal dysfunction and death. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Mitogen-activated protein kinase, Activator Protein 1, and Interferon regulatory factors are the main pathways involved in microglia activation in Coronavirus disease 2019 neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

The neurological aspect of Coronavirus disease 2019 should be highlighted. Neurological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines can be the upcoming issues. We need a global awareness where this aspect of the disease should be more considered in health research.

Questionnaire-based study of COVID-19 vaccination induced headache: evidence of clusters of adverse events

BACKGROUND

The adverse events (AEs) after a Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pfizer-Biotech mRNA vaccination present a medical and epidemiological issue of increasing interest. Headache is the most frequent neurological adverse effect and generally the third most common adverse event after a Covid-19 vaccination, but only a few studies focus on the link between headache and other AEs after vaccination. This study aims to investigate the correlation between headaches and Covid-19 vaccination, as well as the possible links between headaches and other AEs after Covid-19 vaccination, thereby helping the management of AEs and avoiding further occurrences.

METHODS

This study is based on a published questionnaire survey of 1,402 healthcare workers. Our study focused on the 5 questions including 12 AEs and headaches extracted from the questionnaire post the first and second Covid-19 vaccination. The severity of the 12 AEs and headaches could be classified by the participants on a five-step scale: "Not at all", "Little", "Average", "Quite", and "Very" (abbreviated as "N", "L", "A", "Q", "V"). We used the Bowker test to study the comparison of headache severity, indicated on a 5-point Likert scale between the first and second vaccinations. We applied an ordinal logistic regression to the 5 categories with headache severity serving as the dependent variable and the ratings of the other 12 AEs serving as the independent variable to further explore to what extent the severity of the 12 AEs is associated with the severity of headaches. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of the ratings of the 12 AEs to headache severity.

RESULTS

We found that participants rated their headaches as more severe after the second vaccination, and participants who reported experiencing fatigue, flu-like symptoms, pain at the injection site, known tension-type headache, fever, dizziness/balance problems and known migraine are associated with headache symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

There are clusters of headache-associated AEs post Covid-19 vaccination. The association of various AEs with headaches may be due to similar causative mechanisms.

Health equity, care access and quality in headache - part 1

Current definitions of migraine that are based mainly on clinical characteristics do not account for other patient's features such as those related to an impaired quality of life, due to loss of social life and productivity, and the differences related to the geographical distribution of the disease and cultural misconceptions which tend to underestimate migraine as a psychosocial rather than neurobiological disorder.Global differences definition, care access, and health equity for headache disorders, especially migraine are reported in this paper from a collaborative group of the editorial board members of the Journal of Headache and Pain. Other components that affect patients with migraine, in addition to the impact promoted by the migraine symptoms such as stigma and social determinants, are also reported.

Migraine worsening after COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination: Are we facing a nocebo effect?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In clinical practice patients may report migraine worsening as a consequence of COVID-19 (either infection or vaccines), however, data in this area are lacking. We aimed to investigate the link between COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination with migraine worsening and its associated factors.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to migraine patients followed up in a Spanish Headache Clinic, collecting demographic data, and information regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. We asked patients if they had noticed worsening of their migraine after these events and assessed concerns about infection, vaccination and migraine worsening. We also extracted data from participants' own electronic diaries (e-diaries), including 1-month data before and after their reported infection and/or vaccination. We compared participants who self-reported migraine worsening since infection or vaccination with those who did not.

RESULTS

Of 550 participants, 44.9% (247/550) reported having had COVID-19 at least once and 83.3% (458/550) had been vaccinated. Sixty-one patients reported migraine worsening since COVID-19 and 52 since the vaccination. Among the risk factors for perceived migraine worsening in the two settings (infection and vaccination) was concern about migraine worsening itself (infection: odds ratio [OR] 2.498 [95% CI: 1.02-6.273], p = 0.046; vaccination: OR 17.3 [95% CI: confidence interval 5.3-68], p < 0.001). e-diary information was available for 136 of the 550 patients, 38.2% (52/136) for COVID-19 and 39.7% (54/136) for vaccination. We observed no significant difference in headache frequency 1 month before and after infection or vaccination, even when comparing patients with and without self-reported migraine worsening.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data point to a negligible role of the infection and vaccination on migraine worsening and to the possible presence of a nocebo effect in these settings, as a remarkable proportion of patients had a clear perception of migraine worsening.

Prolonged headache with vaccine- and dose-specific headache pattern associated with vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with migraine

OBJECTIVE

To examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related headache characteristics and risk factors in migraine patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 732 migraine patients who had AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty, or Moderna Spikevax vaccines. Participants provided information through questionnaires and headache diaries. Headache frequency before and after vaccination and factors associated with headache risk were examined.

RESULTS

Approximately a third of patients reported increased headache the day after having primary and booster doses, with mean increase ± SD of 1.9 ± 1.2 and 1.8 ± 1.1 days/week, respectively. Proportions of migraine patients with headache (after vaccination vs. before vaccination) increased after having primary-dose Vaxzevria (35.3% vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001) but not Spikevax (23.8% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.700) or Comirnaty (33.2% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.058). Headache proportion increased after having all three boosters (Vaxzevria 27.1% vs. 17.9% p = 0.003; Comirnaty 34.1% vs. 24.5% p = 0.009; Spikevax 35.2% vs. 24.8% p = 0.031). For primary dose with Vaxzevria and Comirnaty, headache risk increased on the vaccination day, peaked on the day after vaccination, and subsided within a week, while for Spikevax headache risk rose gradually after vaccination, peaked on the seventh post-vaccination day and subsided subsequently. For booster dose, headache risk generally increased on the vaccination day, peaked on the day after vaccination, and subsided gradually with fluctuating pattern within a month. Our study also showed that headache increased on the day before primary dose but not booster dose vaccination and it may be attributable to stress associated with having to undertake new vaccines. Multivariable analyses showed that depression was associated with headache.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged headache with vaccine- and dose-specific headache pattern was found. Patients with higher risks of vaccine-related headache must be informed of the potential worsening headache.

COVID-19 vaccination-related headache showed two different clusters in the long-term course: a prospective multicenter follow-up study (COVA-Head Study)

BACKGROUND

Although acute headache following COVID-19 vaccination is widely acknowledged, the long-term progression of these headaches remains poorly understood. Our objective was to identify various phenotypes of prolonged or worsened headaches associated with COVID-19 vaccination and document any changes in these phenotypes over an extended period. Additionally, we aimed to document the diverse headache presentations among patients with pre-existing primary headaches.

METHODS

A multinational, prospective observational study was conducted to investigate prolonged or worsened headaches associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Questionnaires assessing COVID-19 vaccination-related headaches at three time points (initial visit, 3rd month follow-up, and 6th month follow-up) were developed for the study. Headache specialists/clinicians evaluated patients using these questionnaires in a prospective manner. Repeated K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify patient profiles with prolonged or worsened headaches related to COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

Among the 174 patients included in the study, there was a female-to-male ratio of 128 (73.6%) to 46 (26.4%). The mean age of the patient group was 45.2 ± 13.3 years, and 107 patients (61.5%) had a pre-existing history of primary headaches. Through the analysis, two major clusters were identified based on headache characteristics at each visit. During the first visit (n = 174), Cluster 1 primarily comprised patients with a history of primary headaches, frontal localization of pain, throbbing pain type, more severe headaches accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, phonophobia, photophobia, and osmophobia, and worsened by physical activity. In contrast, Cluster 2 consisted of patients with longer headache durations (over one month) and a stabbing/pressing quality of pain. Patients in Cluster 1 had a higher prevalence of migraine as the pre-existing primary headache disorder compared to Cluster 2 (90.48% vs. 68.18%, respectively; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The identification of two distinct phenotypes of prolonged or worsened headaches related to COVID-19 vaccination can provide valuable clinical insights. Having an awareness of the potential worsening of headaches following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in patients with a primary headache disorder such as migraine, can help clinicians and headache experts anticipate and adjust their treatment strategies accordingly. This knowledge can aid in preplanning treatment modifications and optimize patient care.

Effect of COVID vaccination on monthly migraine days: a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

This longitudinal cohort study aimed to investigate changes in migraine-related outcomes following COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

METHODS

We identified 547 clinically diagnosed migraine patients from the Leiden Headache Center who kept a headache E-diary during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 to August 2022). We sent a questionnaire to register their COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination dates. After applying inclusion criteria, n = 59 participants could be included in the infection analysis and n = 147 could be included in the vaccination analysis. Primary outcome was the change in monthly migraine days (MMD) between 1 month prior and 1 month post COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Secondary outcome variables were change in monthly headache days (MHD) and monthly acute medication days (MAMD).

RESULTS

Vaccination against COVID-19 was associated with an increase in MMD (1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57-1.55; p < 0.001), MHD (1.52; 95% CI = 0.91-2.14; p < 0.001) and MAMD (0.72; 95% CI = 0.33-1.12; p < 0.001) in the first month post-vaccination. COVID-19 infection solely increased the number of MAMD (1.11; 95% CI = 0.10-1.62; p < 0.027), but no statistically significant differences in MMD or MHD were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings imply that vaccination against COVID-19 is associated with an increase in migraine, indicating a possible role of inflammatory mediators in migraine pathophysiology.

Characteristics of headaches attributed to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and factors associated with its frequency and prolongation: a cross-sectional cohort study

Background

Headache is the most frequent neurological adverse event following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We investigated the frequency, characteristics, and factors associated with post-vaccination headaches, including their occurrence and prolongation (≥ 48 h).

Methods

In this observational cross-sectional cohort study, retrospective data collected between April 2021-March 2022 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the effect of clinicodemographic factors on the odds of post-vaccination headache occurrence and prolongation.

Results

Of 2,500 people who were randomly sent the questionnaire, 1822 (mean age: 34.49 ± 11.09, female: 71.5%) were included. Headache prevalence following the first (V1), second (V2), and third (V3) dose was 36.5, 23.3, and 21.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Post-vaccination headaches were mainly tension-type (46.5%), followed by migraine-like (36.1%). Headaches were mainly bilateral (69.7%), pressing (54.3%), moderate (51.0%), and analgesic-responsive (63.0%). They mainly initiated 10 h [4.0, 24.0] after vaccination and lasted 24 h [4.0, 48.0]. After adjusting for age and sex, primary headaches (V1: aOR: 1.32 [95%CI: 1.08, 1.62], V2: 1.64 [1.15, 2.35]), post-COVID-19 headaches (V2: 2.02 [1.26, 3.31], V3: 2.83 [1.17, 7.47]), headaches following the previous dose (V1 for V2: 30.52 [19.29, 50.15], V1 for V3: 3.78 [1.80, 7.96], V2 for V3: 12.41 [4.73, 35.88]), vector vaccines (V1: 3.88 [3.07, 4.92], V2: 2.44 [1.70, 3.52], V3: 4.34 [1.78, 12.29]), and post-vaccination fever (V1: 4.72 [3.79, 5.90], V2: 6.85 [4.68, 10.10], V3: 9.74 [4.56, 22.10]) increased the odds of post-vaccination headaches. Furthermore, while primary headaches (V1: 0.63 [0.44, 0.90]) and post-COVID-19 headaches (V1: 0.01 [0.00, 0.05]) reduced the odds of prolonged post-vaccination headaches, psychiatric disorders (V1: 2.58 [1.05, 6.45]), headaches lasting ≥48 h following the previous dose (V1 for V2: 3.10 [1.08, 10.31]), and migraine-like headaches at the same dose (V3: 5.39 [1.15, 32.47]) increased this odds.

Conclusion

Patients with primary headaches, post-COVID-19 headaches, or headaches following the previous dose, as well as vector-vaccine receivers and those with post-vaccination fever, were at increased risk of post-SARS-CoV-2-vaccination headaches. Primary headaches and post-COVID-19 headaches reduced the odds of prolonged post-vaccination headaches. However, longer-lasting headaches following the previous dose, migraine-like headaches at the same dose, and psychiatric disorders increased this odd.

Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Managing Chronic Migraine with Botulinum Toxin: A Case Series

Introduction: Although post-vaccination headaches have been reported following COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) immunization, the specific effect of such vaccination on chronic migraine (CM) management utilizing botulinum toxin remains unexplored. This case series highlights the experiences of five CM patients who, despite initially responding well to abobotulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) treatment, experienced increased headache frequency post-COVID-19 vaccination. These findings suggest the potential implications of COVID-19 vaccination on the efficacy of CM management strategies. Case Presentation: This case series highlights five female patients diagnosed with CM, aged 31 - 50 years, with varying past medical histories and concurrent medications, whose number of headache days increased following COVID-19 vaccination (with either Sinopharm or AstraZeneca). All patients were undergoing an ongoing clinical trial at Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran, receiving BTX-A treatment according to a standard protocol. Routine neurological examinations and brain MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) were performed, and they were asked to complete monthly headache diaries detailing the frequency and intensity of headaches and abortive medications used. Conclusions: Based on the observed outcomes, the authors hypothesize that COVID-19 vaccination within the initial month of botulinum toxin administration could attenuate its efficacy in managing CM. Patients should be made aware of this possibility. Consequently, it is recommended that physicians might consider rescheduling the administration of BTX-A for CM management based on their clinical judgment.

COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: A Cameo Role for Headache

Headache is a very frequent symptom in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Many studies have emphasized its clinical diagnostic and prognostic importance on the one hand, as in many cases these aspects have been completely ignored. It is therefore opportune to go back over these lines of research in order to gather what usefulness the headache symptom may or may not represent for the clinician dealing with COVID-19 or performing or following up on the clinical course following vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. The clinical evaluation of headache in COVID-19 is not fundamental in the diagnostic and prognostic process of the emergency departments; however, the risk of severe adverse events, although very rare, must be taken into account by the clinicians. For subjects presenting with severe, drug-resistant, and delayed-onset post-vaccination headache, it could represent a possible sign of central venous thrombosis or other thrombotic complications. Thus, a re-reading of the role of headache in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination seems clinically useful.

[Headache associated with COVID-19 vaccination: how to classify?]

INTRODUCTION

In the setting of acute COVID-19 infection, headache occurs in 10-60% of patients and may last for days and, in a smaller proportion of patients, weeks (about 10%). However, it is less recognized that headache may also occur after vaccination with a short latency and may persist for a longer period in a still unclear number of patients.

METHODS

Retrospective description of headache and course in a case series of 32 outpatients with headache that changed or recurred after COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

The majority of patients experienced an exacerbation of migraine headache; rare headache syndromes such as intracranial hypertension or thunderclap headache occurred in 2 patients. Headache manifested in more than 50% of patients within the first 48 h after vaccination. Over 50% of patients who received a triptan improved.

CONCLUSION

The pathophysiological relationship between vaccination and persistent headache is not yet clearly understood. The short latency, partial efficacy of cortisone, and initial findings showing an increase of various inflammatory markers during the course of headache in COVID infection suggest a possible involvement of the innate immune system and here the inflammasome. Furthermore, the response to triptan in a proportion of patients also indicates activation of the trigeminovascular system.

Headache attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination and the impact on primary headache disorders of the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive review

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to summarize the knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of secondary headache attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination; as well as to delineate their impact on primary headache disorders.

METHODS

This is a narrative review of the literature regarding primary and secondary headache disorders in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a literature search in 2022 on PubMed, with the keywords "COVID 19" or "vaccine" and "headache" to assess the appropriateness of all published articles for their inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Headache is a common and sometimes difficult-to-treat symptom of both the acute and post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Different pathophysiological mechanisms may be involved, with the trigeminovascular system as a plausible target. Specific evidence-based effective therapeutic options are lacking at present. Headache attributed to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations is also common, its pathophysiology being unclear. People with primary headache disorders experience headache in the acute phase of COVID-19 and after vaccination more commonly than the general population. Pandemic measures, forcing lifestyle changes, seemed to have had a positive impact on migraine, and changes in headache care (telemedicine) have been effectively introduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge, having an impact on the development of secondary headaches, both in people with or without primary headaches. This has created opportunities to better understand and treat headache and to potentiate strategies to manage patients and ensure care.

NeuroCOVID-19: a critical review

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged neurologists since its early days. Neurology consultation services were then overloaded by emergency department and intensive-care patients with acute neurological syndromes. These complications are better explained today, but the growing number of patients with reported longstanding neurological symptoms constitute an emerging, complex, and still poorly understood phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes data on relevant neurological manifestations of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasting post-infectious disease, also known as Long COVID. The complex history of Long COVID is examined to illustrate the upsides and challenges imposed by the active participation of patient communities in the production of medical knowledge.

METHODS

Narrative review.

RESULTS

Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is associated with encephalopathy/delirium, cerebrovascular disease, headache, and peripheral nervous system involvement. Long COVID is a living concept jointly defined by patient communities, physicians and scientists, including neurologists.

CONCLUSION

Co-production of Long COVID knowledge between scientists and patients has initiated an era of patient-led research and evidence-based activism that acts as a two-edged sword - putting patient's suffering in the spotlight, but with a tradeoff in methodological consistency.

Headache After Vaccination: An Update on Recent Clinical Trials and Real-World Reporting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to characterize headache as a vaccine adverse event (VAE) in clinical trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of the recent phase III vaccine RCTs (non-COVID-19), 53 studies reported on headache (13 infectious agents). The median rate (interquartile range) of headache was 15.6% (IQR: 9.6-37.6%). Of these, 24.5% of the RCTs reported headache greater in the vaccine group compared to the placebo/control group. In the herpes zoster vaccination trials, headache was more common in all active groups: median rate 33.9% (IQR: 29.7-40.5%) as compared to placebo: median rate 17.7% (IQR: 15.4-23.8%). Influenza and HPV vaccination trials were the 2nd and 3rd most common to have headache as a VAE. Of the 6 widely distributed COVID-19 vaccinations, median rate of post-vaccination headache was 39% (IQR: 28-50%). Headache is a common VAE in vaccine trials. Standardized grading methods, predictors of persistence, and treatment regimens are warranted.