Migraine and Long COVID: When the Headache Does Not Leave

For some people, COVID ends, but the headache does not. Long COVID can bring a new headache pattern or make an existing migraine condition feel very different.

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why migraine, fatigue, poor sleep, dizziness and brain fog can sometimes appear together after COVID and why it may help to look beyond the head alone.

You’ll learn:

💡 Why Long COVID may trigger new headaches or worsen an existing migraine pattern

💡 Why fatigue, sleep problems, dizziness, brain fog and exercise intolerance may sometimes travel alongside migraine

💡 Why recognizing your new post-COVID migraine pattern can be more useful than assuming your old triggers still explain everything

When the pattern changes, understanding what has changed can be the first step toward making sense of your symptoms.

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References:

Long COVID Headache (Tana et al., 2022): This review describes persistent and new headaches after COVID-19, including migraine-like presentations. Read more here.

Headache in COVID-19 and Long COVID: To Know Facts for Clinical Practice (Gómez-Dabó et al., 2023): This review covers the clinical features and management of headache during and after COVID-19. Read more here.

Post-COVID Dysautonomias: What We Know and (Mainly) What We Don’t Know (Goldstein, 2024): This review examines autonomic dysfunction associated with post-COVID conditions. Read more here.

Long-Term Neurological and Cognitive Impact of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Over 4 Million Patients (Elboraay et al., 2025): This analysis examines persistent neurological symptoms, including headache, fatigue, and cognitive problems. Read more here.

Post COVID-19 Condition (World Health Organization): This WHO resource defines long COVID and summarizes its common persistent symptoms. Read more here.

Migraine and Other Headache Disorders (World Health Organization, 2025): This fact sheet summarizes migraine, other headache disorders, and their global burden. Read more here.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.