Update: July 28, 2021: For key findings of the study, see [link/reference].
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the infectious disease COVID-19. The disease has spread almost worldwide since the beginning of 2020. In addition to behavioral guidelines, the vaccine, available since December 2020, is one of the most important countermeasures against the further spread of the virus. On December 22, 2020, following approval by the EU Commission, the Paul Ehrlich Institute granted the first approval for a vaccine in Germany. The vaccine, manufactured by BioNTech, has since been distributed to the federal states' delivery centers. The federal states then regulate the further distribution to regional vaccination centers. Initially, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other population groups are being supplied with the vaccine with the highest priority.
According to available data, the approved vaccines have a positive efficacy-risk profile. Headaches, as with other vaccinations, can occur in over 50% of those vaccinated. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) does not currently classify headaches that develop in connection with vaccination. Therefore, this is a type of headache that is still largely unknown.
The current Covid-19 vaccination campaign therefore enables a broad-based survey of a new form of headache that can occur in connection with vaccination.
An international research team from the Kiel Pain Clinic, the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, and the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is conducting the first precise analysis of these headaches using an online survey. Anyone who has experienced headaches after a COVID-19 vaccination can participate in the study. The study is anonymous. Ethics approval has been received from the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Kiel University. A key objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of these headaches, their prevention, and treatment.
The online questionnaire is available on the internet:
https://schmerzklinik.de/impfung
Participation takes approximately 10 minutes. The questionnaire is available in German, English, and Arabic.
A reference to the study and sharing the link would greatly support the survey.
Please also share the link with people who experience headaches after a COVID-19 vaccination.
Kind regards and many thanks
to the study team:
Dr. med. Carl H. Göbel MB BChir (Hons) MA (Cantab)
Clinic for Neurology
Campus Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein
Ratzeburger Allee 160
23538 Lübeck
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas F. Münte,
Director of the Department of Neurology
, Campus Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein,
Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck
Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Psych. Hartmut Göbel
Pain Clinic Kiel
Heikendorfer Weg 9-27
24149 Kiel
I've noticed a connection between my symptoms and the COVID-19 vaccination or infection.
Since then, I've had 2-3 migraine attacks every month
, which have also become much more severe. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but after reading about it here...
Dear team,
I filled out the questionnaire. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide precise information. I have had migraines for 36 years, most recently 6x/month. 5 weeks ago I got the AstraZeneca vaccination and since then an increase in migraine attacks that Maxalt require. Regardless of this, I have almost constantly lighter headaches. I am an internist and would be very interested in further data and results. Thank you very much!
Hello, I have a question. After my migraines lasted 6.7 days, I have now had very good experiences with cortisone. By taking 50 mg 2-3 times in the morning, the attack is over. Now I was vaccinated against Corona on April 7th. Can I take cortisone again for the next attack or should I wait longer before the vaccination? can cortisone influence the immune response?