Headache related to mask use of healthcare workers in COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study indicates that healthcare workers develop headaches due to use of masks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Headache Related to PPE Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The incidence of PPE-associated headaches amongst healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic ranges from 26.5%–90.7% [ 24 , 25 ••, 26 – 32 , 33 •, 34 •, 35 •, 36 •]. In comparison, a study amongst healthcare providers using the N95 face mask during the 2003 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Singapore observed that new-onset face mask–associated headaches occurred with an incidence of 37.3% [ 37 ].…”

“…Since the start of COVID-19 in December 2019, there have been a total of 6 published studies specifically conducted to understand PPE-associated headache amongst healthcare workers (see Table 1 ) [ 25 ••, 33 •, 34 •, 35 •, 36 •, 38 •]. Based on these studies, several factors have been found to confer a greater likelihood of developing de novo PPE-associated headaches.…”

“…Recently published studies specifically looking at PPE-associated headache amongst healthcare workers during COVID-19 provide interesting insights into the phenotype of this unusual entity which until now has been infrequently reported [ 25 ••, 33 •, 34 •, 35 •, 36 •, 38 •] (see Table 1 ).…”

“…Headache is usually bilateral with the experienced discomfort localising to areas where the protective respirator and eyewear, and their accompanying straps, makes contact upon the head, face and neck (see Fig. 1 ) [ 25 ••, 36 •, 38 •]. Headache quality .…”

“… Headache quality . Usually a ‘pressure’, ‘heaviness’ or ‘pulling’ sensation, although some may experience a ‘throbbing’ headache [ 25 ••, 33 •, 36 •]. Headache intensity .…”