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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06825741

Brain Structural Abnormalities in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Headache

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.

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Key information

Conditions

COVID-19 Coronaviridae Infections Coronavirus Infections Headache Infections Lung Diseases MRI Neurologic Manifestations Nidovirales Infections Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pneumonia Pneumonia, Viral RNA Virus Infections Respiratory Tract Diseases Respiratory Tract Infections Signs and Symptoms Virus Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Szent Margit Hospital

Budapest, 1032, Hungary

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age ≥18 years
  • History of COVID-19 infection
  • Persistent headache following COVID-19 infection
  • Brain MRI requested by the attending physician

Exclusion criteria

  • Prior neurological disease or disorder
  • MRI contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, metal implants, claustrophobia)

Treatment and study plan

Observational study - no intervention

Other

This is an observational study evaluating brain structural abnormalities in post-COVID headache patients. No experimental intervention is applied.

Primary outcomes

  1. Number of Participants with Specific Structural Brain Abnormalities Observed on MRI

    Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of Participants Reporting Additional Symptoms Associated with Post-COVID-19 Headache

    Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022

    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.

  2. Number of Participants Diagnosed with Specific Conditions After MRI

    Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022

    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.

  3. Number of Participants Receiving Specific Treatment Approaches for Post-COVID-19 Headache

    Time frame: From September 2020 to December 2022

    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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Pecs

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Feb 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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