Why Post-COVID Migraine Symptoms Are Harder To Handle

For months after I recovered from COVID, I noticed something weird—my head just wouldn’t stop throbbing. I chalked it up to stress or too much screen time. But when it kept coming back, often with a pulsating sensation behind one eye or a wave of dizziness, I realized it was more than your standard headache. Turns out, I’m not alone. A surprising number of people are now grappling with what experts call post-COVID migraine symptoms—and they’re nothing like your usual head pain.

Understanding Post-COVID Migraines

These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill headaches. Post-COVID migraines often feel more intense, more persistent, and a lot more unpredictable. Some people get them a few times a week, others almost daily. What’s even trickier is that these migraines often come with a whole list of bizarre side effects—think light sensitivity, nausea, even visual disturbances like sparkles or zigzag lines.

According to the American Migraine Foundation (americanmigrainefoundation.org), there’s growing evidence that the virus impacts the central nervous system, potentially disrupting neurological pathways that regulate pain. In simpler terms, your brain is reacting differently now—and not in a good way.

What Makes These Migraines Different?

• They linger for weeks or months post-infection
• Often include symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, or mood changes
• More likely to be resistant to over-the-counter painkillers
• Sometimes paired with lingering fatigue or insomnia

In fact, a lot of people who never had migraines before COVID are now experiencing them for the first time. I’ve spoken with others in long-COVID support groups, and many describe the same thing—a “new normal” where migraines are part of daily life.

For a more detailed look at how migraines work in the body, check out the Understanding Migraines guide.

Common Symptoms of Post-COVID Migraines

While every case is unique, there’s a surprising amount of overlap in the symptoms people report. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch out for:

1. Intense, throbbing pain—usually on one side of the head
2. Visual aura—flashes of light or blurry spots
3. Photophobia and phonophobia—increased sensitivity to light and sound
4. Nausea and vomiting—especially during peak migraine attacks
5. Brain fog—trouble focusing or concentrating for hours after an episode
6. Neck stiffness—a tightness that creeps up before the pain hits

What’s odd is how some of these symptoms seem to mimic other post-COVID issues, making diagnosis tricky. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to a specialist if your head pain feels different from what you’re used to.

If you’re unsure whether it’s a migraine or something else, this migraine warning signs checklist might help you figure it out.

Why Is COVID Causing These Migraines?

This part’s still a work in progress for researchers, but here’s what we know so far. The coronavirus can trigger inflammation in blood vessels and nerves, especially in the brain. That inflammation might re-ignite migraine pathways or kick-start new ones. There’s also the theory that it disrupts the body’s serotonin levels—one of the main chemicals involved in migraine regulation.

Some studies (check out nih.gov) suggest long COVID patients often show signs of neuroinflammation and autonomic dysfunction. In plain English: your nervous system is out of whack, and it doesn’t know how to respond properly to stimuli like light, sound, or even hunger.

Risk Factors That Make It Worse

• Pre-existing migraine history—COVID seems to reactivate dormant symptoms
• Stress and anxiety—big triggers in the post-viral phase
• Hormonal shifts—especially in women, these can amplify migraine severity
• Sleep disruption—common after COVID and a known migraine trigger

If hormonal shifts are part of your story, the article on hormonal migraine triggers digs deeper into that connection.

How Long Do Post-COVID Migraines Last?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear timeline. Some people report relief after a couple of months, while others are still struggling after a year. What’s important is to track your symptoms and patterns. Keeping a migraine diary can be incredibly helpful for spotting triggers and communicating with your doctor.

Here’s a guide to setting that up: Migraine Diary Guide.

My Personal Timeline

In my case, the worst of it lasted about four months. It started with once-a-week headaches and slowly turned into near-daily episodes. What helped me the most was finding patterns—turns out skipping breakfast and scrolling my phone in bed were double trouble. Once I changed a few habits, the fog started to lift.

Getting Proper Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t tough it out. Post-COVID migraines are very real and very debilitating. Seeing a neurologist who understands post-viral symptoms is key. The how migraines are diagnosed resource gives you a good idea of what to expect during the process.

You may also want to visit the full Migraines and Headaches hub for a broader overview or head to the Migraine Symptoms page for detailed symptom breakdowns.

How to Treat Post-COVID Migraines

When I first told my doctor about the migraines, I expected a generic response—“Just take ibuprofen and rest.” But thankfully, they were way ahead of me. Post-COVID migraines often need a different treatment plan because they’re linked to inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and sometimes even immune response. So what works?

Prescription Medications

If your pain is intense or frequent, your doctor might recommend:

• Triptans – These are the go-to drugs for acute migraines. Fast, effective, but not for daily use.
• CGRP inhibitors – These newer meds are tailored for chronic sufferers. Think CGRP inhibitors like Aimovig or Emgality.
• Preventatives – Things like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants can reduce frequency over time.

For me, triptans worked in a pinch, but they weren’t enough on their own. That’s when I turned to supplements and routines that supported long-term healing.

Over-the-Counter Options

If you’re still waiting to see a neurologist, some OTC meds might offer temporary relief. Check out this guide for the most effective options.

Natural Remedies That Actually Help

Let’s be honest: some natural remedies are fluff, but a few actually work—especially when paired with conventional treatments. I started with magnesium and never looked back. Here are some options worth exploring:

1. Magnesium – Found in spinach, nuts, and supplements. Supports nerve function and reduces migraine attacks. More info: Magnesium for Migraine.
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – I take 400mg daily. There’s evidence it supports energy production in brain cells and reduces severity.
3. Essential oils – Peppermint oil on the temples helps with tension and nausea. Check out: Essential Oils for Migraine.
4. Acupuncture – I was skeptical, but honestly, it helped reduce the intensity. Especially when stress was involved. See: Acupuncture for Migraine.

While natural doesn’t mean “cure,” these can help you feel more in control and less dependent on meds every time your head starts pounding.

Helpful Tools and Devices

If you’re like me and prefer not to pop pills all day, tools and gadgets can make a surprising difference. I invested in a wearable device called Cefaly after reading this review, and while it’s not cheap, it helps calm the nerves when things get tense.

What’s Worth Trying?

• Cefaly or Nerivio – Wearable devices that stimulate the trigeminal nerve to reduce migraine pain.
• Cooling wraps – Ice packs for the forehead and neck can stop a migraine in its tracks.
• Blue light glasses – Lifesavers if your migraines are triggered by screens. Find more on that here.
• Apps – Use migraine tracking apps to log symptoms, weather, sleep, and food triggers.

The mix of tech and self-awareness really changed the game for me. Especially when migraines became frequent and unpredictable.

Daily Habits That Make a Difference

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but small daily changes matter. I had to overhaul my sleep, diet, and hydration—no easy feat, especially with brain fog. But consistency helped calm my nervous system over time.

Top Habits I Stick To:

1. Consistent sleep – No more binge-watching at 2AM. I stick to a sleep-wake schedule religiously now.
2. Hydration – I underestimated how much water I wasn’t drinking. Now I aim for 2.5L a day minimum.
3. Low-trigger diet – I started avoiding caffeine and processed meats. Here’s a list of migraine-triggering foods.
4. Light exercise – Gentle walks and yoga—not CrossFit. Moving helps my head and my mood. For ideas, see Yoga for Migraine.

It takes time, and I still have flare-ups. But compared to where I started, it’s night and day. Staying disciplined with your environment and routines builds a kind of neurological resilience.

Should You See a Specialist?

Short answer: yes. Especially if your migraines are affecting your ability to work, sleep, or function daily. I delayed seeing a neurologist, and honestly, I wish I hadn’t. A professional can help rule out other conditions, customize your treatment, and offer solutions you might never discover on your own.

This guide on seeing a neurologist for migraine explains how to prepare and what questions to ask.

Living With Post-COVID Migraine Symptoms

I won’t sugarcoat it—these migraines changed my life. But not all in a bad way. They forced me to slow down, listen to my body, and make better decisions. I learned to set boundaries with work, say no to things that overstimulate me, and prioritize rest without guilt.

If you’re navigating this right now, just know you’re not imagining things, and you’re definitely not alone. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a way forward—and you don’t have to figure it out all at once.

Need help tracking symptoms and triggers? Head over to the migraine tools and devices section for practical support.

For more on treating and preventing migraines naturally, you might also want to check out the Natural Remedies for Migraines guide.

And for the full view on all things migraine-related, don’t miss the Migraines and Headaches resource center.

Bianca Nala

Bianca Nala is a compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in primary and respiratory care. As a health writer for Healthusias.com, she combines her clinical expertise with a talent for clear, relatable storytelling to help readers better understand their health. Bianca focuses on topics like asthma, COPD, chronic cough, and overall lung health, aiming to simplify complex medical topics without losing accuracy. Whether she’s treating patients or writing articles, Bianca is driven by a single goal: making quality healthcare knowledge accessible to everyone.