Migraine vs COVID-19 Headache: How to Tell Them Apart

Do your headaches seem to get worse and more frequent during the pandemic? You aren't alone. Health professionals say they have been getting more complaints from "migrainers" or migraine sufferer since the coronavirus outbreaks started.

According to Dr. Rachel Colman, the director of the Low-Pressure Headache Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, the situation people are now placed in makes them more predisposed to getting more migraines.

Additionally, Dr. Merle Diamond, the president and managing director of Chicago's Diamond Headache Clinic, says that with many working from home, it could add to stress-induced headaches.

Furthermore, she says that the change in people's work environment could trigger migraine sufferers as they tend to have extremely sensitized nervous systems not amenable to change.

Finally, Dr. Diamond also says that lack of sleep and exercise can also worsen migraines. During the coronavirus lockdown, people tend to acquire a sedentary lifestyle from staying indoors for weeks. She also says that dehydration could worsen a migraine.

Also Read: A New Migraine Drug Is Said To Treat Pain During Attack

What Are the Different Types of Headaches?

Since the outbreaks started, it would be understandable that people would initially think about whether any of their symptoms have anything to do with COVID-19. Dr. Diamond says, however, that experienced migraines would know the difference.

She says that COVID-19-related headaches are very tight, and sufferers would experience a squeezing sensation which worsens with a cough or fever.

The sensation occurs as a result of our immune system rallying in response to the virus while releasing chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are responsible for inflammation, which is distinguished as pain by the brain's cerebral cortex.

On the other hand, a migraine presents with a throbbing pain that could be moderate to severe. Diamond adds that it can also be accompanied by a sensitivity to light and noise, and it could also cause vomiting. Furthermore, she says patients usually describe a migraine as having their "brain too big for their skull".

How to Deal With Migraines and Headaches

An extreme headache can be debilitating and should not be ignored. Medical health experts encourage anyone suffering from headaches or migraines to reach out to a headache specialist for help.

During this time, when some people are still under lockdown protocols, most physicians are seeing their patients through telemedicine. People should not be hesitant to reach out to their care providers to seek medical attention despite the pandemic.

Dr. Diamond advises people to make sure they keep hydrated and that they get up and stretch at least once an hour. Better yet, she encourages people to work out at home. Yoga and other relaxation techniques could also help to keep the blood flowing and to reduce stress.

Finally, she says that keeping a healthy and balanced diet helps as well as resting and relaxing whenever possible. Understandably, many are under stress due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, but Dr. Diamond says that it is important to take things slow and to keep a steady pace.

The duration of the coronavirus pandemic remains to be uncertain, but health professionals are urging everyone to stay on top of their game when it comes to their health.