Brain Structural Abnormalities in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Headache

University of Pecs

Status: Completed

Conditions: MRI; COVID-19; Headache

Treatments: Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06825741

IG/296-1/2025/1

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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)

Trial design

60 participants in 2 patient groups

Post-COVID-19 Headache Group

Description:

Participants in this group had a history of COVID-19 infection and developed persistent headaches afterward. They underwent brain MRI to assess potential structural abnormalities. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing neurological disorders or other conditions that could explain the headaches.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Control Group

Description:

Participants in this group had no history of COVID-19 infection and no reported chronic headaches or neurological conditions. They underwent brain MRI for unrelated medical reasons and served as a comparison group to evaluate the prevalence of structural brain abnormalities in post-COVID headache patients.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study - No intervention