Mask-associated ‘de novo’ headache in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ObjectivesThe pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed care activities of health professionals. We analysed the possible association between the appearance of ‘de novo’ headache according to the type of mask used, the related factors and the impact of the cephalalgia on health professionals.MethodsCross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Extremadura, Spain. We provided an online questionnaire to healthcare workers during the period of maximum incidence of COVID-19 in our setting.ResultsThe subjects are n=306, 244 women (79.7%), with an average age of 43 years (range 23–65). Of the total, 129 (42.2%) were physicians, 112 (36.6%) nurses and 65 (21.2%) other health workers. 208 (79.7%) used surgical masks and 53 (20.3%) used filter masks. Of all those surveyed, 158 (51.6%) presented ‘de novo’ headache. The occurrence of a headache was independently associated with the use of a filter mask, OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.32); being a nurse, OR 2.09 (95% CI 1.18 to 3.72) or another health worker, OR 6.94 (95% CI 3.01 to 16.04); or having a history of asthma, OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.89). According to the type of mask used, there were differences in headache intensity, and the impact of a headache in the subjects who used a filter mask was worse in all the aspects evaluated.ConclusionThe appearance of ‘de novo’ headache is associated with the use of filter masks and is more frequent in certain healthcare workers, causing a greater occupational, family, personal and social impact.

Mask and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Associated Headache: A Cross-Sectional Study among the COVID-Time Physicians in Bangladesh

“…Our study findings are in close agreement with the study of Ramirez-Moreno JM et al who reported 51.6% PPE associated "de novo" headache in Spain in 2020 (19) . In the study of Ong JJY et al, newly developed headache occurrence after using PPE was 82% (9) .…”

COVID-19 und Kopfschmerzen

“…Auflage in die Klassifikation aufgenommen, damals aber noch nicht als primär, sondern als Neuralgie klassifiziert worden [64]. Unklar ist, ob auch der Anstieg des CO 2 -Partialdrucks zum Auftreten der Kopfschmerzen beitragen könnte, auch wenn das Tragen einer Maske nicht zu Hyperkapnie führt [63,65].…”

“…Die COVID-19-Pandemie weckte erhebliches Forschungsinteresse, das zu einem rasanten Wissensanstieg führte. Besonders wichtig erscheint uns gerade auch im Hinblick auf die Zeit nach der Quarantäne, dass sich eine Migräneerkrankung durch eine flexible Alltagsgestaltung und Verringerung der Verpflichtungen positiv beeinflussen lässt [62,63]. Auch wenn die gute Wirkung der nicht-medikamentösen Migränebehandlung schon länger bekannt ist [66], haben Home-Office und Gleitzeit noch keinen Eingang in die Therapieempfehlungen gefunden.…”

Scoping review and interpretation of Myofascial Pain/Fibromyalgia syndrome: an attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

“…200 Indeed, studies suggest applying a splint induces myofibroblasts, 80 and pony-tails/hijabs/braziers appear to cause myofascial pain. [201][202][203][204][205] This phenomenology looks to be a similar or the same as that of applying bandages to "rheumatism" patients (William Balfour 1815), 206 meaning: modulation of the tensegrity structure and/or induction of stress shielding but failing to resolve tension (eg, Mrs. M. Pages 179-180). Interestingly, experimental models of restraint stress apply mechanical restraint and/or limit movements.…”