Stop treating headaches lightly as COVID-19 can cause increased intracranial brain pressure, which can be dangerous

Thailand Medical News Exclusive: Headaches have become increasingly common, with many individuals resorting to over-the-counter NSAIDs for relief. However, these headaches may signal a more severe issue: elevated intracranial brain pressure, potentially linked to COVID-19 infections. Ignoring or dismissing this symptom could lead to severe, even fatal, outcomes. It is crucial to consult a medical doctor and undergo relevant diagnostics if necessary to ensure early detection and treatment.


COVID-19 can cause increased intracranial brain pressure, which can be dangerous

In many cases, the untreated increased intracranial brain pressure occurrences led to vision loss, stroke and also deaths!
 
Numerous case reports have emerged about COVID-19 infections causing increased intracranial brain pressure and studies have also documented these occurrences.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0181551222002054
 
https://jmedicalcasereports.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13256-024-04519-x
 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12070-022-03303-x
 
https://journals.lww.com/ijo/fulltext/2021/06000/intracranial_hypertension_and_visual_loss.59.aspx
 
https://www.neurology-asia.org/articles/neuroasia-2022-27(2)-379.pdf
 
https://medicine.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/ajhm/COVID19.pdf
 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13760-021-01818-8
 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0333102420965963
 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/25158163211044797
 
https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000204231
 
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-journal-of-neurological-sciences/article/idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension-associated-with-sarscov2-b117-variant-of-concern/43F9B22074EEFF2D0D22EB1AD63B4B12
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https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.629828/full
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887899420303647
 
The Neurological Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is primarily known for its respiratory symptoms, but it also has significant neurological implications. Patients with COVID-19 have reported various neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and even more severe conditions such as encephalopathy and cerebrovascular strokes. Among these, headaches have emerged as the most common neurological complaint associated with the virus.
 
A study involving 56 COVID-19 patients revealed that headaches linked to intracranial hypertension were the most prevalent neurological finding. This underscores the need for heightened awareness among both clinicians and the public regarding the potential for serious neurological complications following a COVID-19 infection.
 
Understanding Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP) without any apparent cause, such as hydrocephalus or mass lesions. The common symptoms of IIH include headaches, nausea, vomiting, double vision, and temporary visual disturbances. Among these, headaches and papilledema (swelling of the optic disc) are the most frequently observed signs.
 
Case Studies Highlighting the Dangers
Several case studies have documented the link between COVID-19 and increased intracranial pressure, providing vital insights into how the virus can trigger this dangerous condition. (Refer to the cases studies and links provided above.)
 
-Case of a 35-Year-Old Female: A 35-year-old woman developed benign intracranial hypertension during the course of a COVID-19 infection. Despite a normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, the patient exhibited elevated CSF pressure, and brain imaging revealed significant changes, including the enlargement of the subarachnoid space around the optic nerves. This case demonstrates the potential for COVID-19 to cause IIH, even in the absence of more commonly recognized complications like meningitis or encephalitis.
 
-Case of a 40-Year-Old Woman: Another case involved a 40-year-old woman who presented with a headache, bilateral optic disc edema, and visual loss 15 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Her CSF opening pressure was significantly elevated at 410 mmH2O, and although her cranial imaging appeared normal, her symptoms indicated a severe case of IIH. This case underscores the importance of monitoring for neurological symptoms even after the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed.
 
-Case Series of 8 Adult Patients: A case series highlighted the association between IIH and COVID-19 in eight adult patients, most of whom were women with obesity, a known risk factor for IIH. These patients generally responded well to medical therapy, but the cases demonstrate the need for vigilance in identifying and treating this condition early to prevent severe complications such as vision loss.
 
-Case Series of 56 COVID-19 Patients: In a study involving 56 COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms, 13 experienced persistent headaches not associated with meningitis or encephalitis. Similar to the previous cases, these findings suggest that COVID-19 can indeed be a precipitating factor for IIH, particularly in high-risk groups, even in the later stages of the disease.
 
Possible Causes of Increased Intracranial Pressure Due to COVID-19
The precise mechanisms by which COVID-19 leads to increased intracranial pressure are still under research. However, several possible causes have been identified:
 
-Hypercoagulable State: COVID-19 is known to cause a hypercoagulable state in the body, which means that the blood has an increased tendency to clot. This can lead to the formation of clots that obstruct the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), resulting in elevated intracranial pressure.
 
-Systemic Inflammation: The virus triggers a systemic inflammatory response, which may contribute to increased ICP. Inflammation can cause swelling and increased pressure within the brain, leading to the symptoms associated with IIH.
 
-Endothelial Dysfunction: COVID-19 can impair the function of endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels. This dysfunction may result in small vessel involvement in the brain, further contributing to the development of IIH.
 
-ACE2 Receptor Interaction: The virus interacts with the ACE2 receptor, which is present on capillary endothelial cells in the central nervous system. This interaction may give the virus its neuroinvasive properties, leading to various neurological manifestations, including encephalitis, meningitis, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and increased intracranial pressure, even in the absence of other complications.
 
These potential causes highlight the complex and multifactorial nature of how COVID-19 can lead to serious neurological complications, including increased intracranial pressure. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent severe outcomes.
 
It should also be noted that microbleeds in the brain can also lead to increased intracranial brain pressure and Thailand Medical News has already covered studies that show even mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections can cause brain microbleeds in many.
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/one-third-of-all-exposed-to-covid-19-likely-to-develop-cerebral-microbleeds
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-non-human-primate-study-alarmingly-reveals-that-sars-cov-2-infections-can-lead-to-brain-inflammation,-brain-hypoxia,-brain-bleeding-and-also-strok
 
Increased Intracranial Pressure: A Medical Emergency
Increased intracranial pressure is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms of elevated ICP can vary, including headaches, blurred vision, confusion, and even coma. Diagnosing ICP involves a thorough examination, including a nervous system exam, spinal tap, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs.
 
Treatment for increased ICP typically involves reducing swelling in the brain, draining excess cerebrospinal fluid, and addressing the underlying cause, whether it be an infection, high blood pressure, or another condition. In some cases, part of the skull may need to be removed to relieve pressure, though this is a rare intervention.
 
Conclusion
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is crucial to recognize the potential for the virus to cause serious neurological complications, including increased intracranial pressure. Headaches, often dismissed as a minor symptom, could be an early warning sign of a more dangerous condition. If you or someone you know experiences persistent headaches, especially following a COVID-19 infection, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe outcomes, including neurological damage or even death. Always prioritize your health by consulting healthcare professionals and undergoing the necessary diagnostics to ensure your well-being.
 
For the latest updates on COVID-19 and related health issues, stay informed with Thailand Medical News regularly.
 
Read Also:
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/cerebral-microbleeds-increases-risk-of-stroke-or-dementia
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/hong-kong-doctors-warn-that-covid-19-vaccines-can-cause-severe-inflammation-of-the-brain-s-blood-vessels