An observational study in COVID-19, Headache and MRI, sponsored by University of Pecs. Completed at 1 site in Hungary. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-02-17.
Sponsored by University of Pecs · Observational
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.
7,640 studies on the registry are indexed under COVID-19; 488 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 60 is below the median of 261 across 3,136 observational studies indexed under COVID-19.
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The study population consisted of adult patients (≥18 years) with persistent headaches following COVID-19 infection who were referred for brain MRI to investigate potential structural abnormalities. A control group of individuals without a history of COVID-19 infection or chronic headaches was included for comparison. Exclusion criteria included prior neurological diseases, recent head trauma, and MRI contraindications.
Exclusion Criteria:
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.
Other: Observational Study - No intervention
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.
Other: Observational Study - No intervention
This is an observational study evaluating brain structural abnormalities in post-COVID headache patients. No experimental intervention is applied.
Number of Participants with Specific Structural Brain Abnormalities Observed on MRI
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.
Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022
Number of Participants Reporting Additional Symptoms Associated with Post-COVID-19 Headache
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.
Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022
Number of Participants Diagnosed with Specific Conditions After MRI
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.
Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022
Number of Participants Receiving Specific Treatment Approaches for Post-COVID-19 Headache
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.
Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022
Plan to share: Yes
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This study is completed, as verified in Feb 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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