The regular use of personal protection equipment (PPE) against COVID-19, such as masks, visor and goggles, causes headache in most cases and aggravate the migraine crises of those who regularly suffer from this disease. These are the conclusions of the first study developed on the topic at national level, conducted by a team of neurologists from Hospital da Luz Headache Centre and the Portuguese Society of Headache, in collaboration with MiGRA Portugal (Association for Headache and Migraine Patients), recommending as general prevention measure, and whenever possible, the introduction of breaks in the use of such equipment, under safe conditions. For some time now, neurologists had the perception, by the complaints reported by patients, that the prolonged use of masks causes headache, but there are few accounts in scientific literature on the topic focused on health professionals. With the generalization of use of this equipment to prevent COVID-19, it was necessary to launch a large-scale study . Addressed to the general public, this survey was conducted between September and December 2020, with 5,064 people from all districts of Continental Portugal and the Autonomous Regions answering, with the average age of 37 years. The majority of respondents were female (90%) and, in professional terms, about 20% declared working in the health sector. It is worth noting that women are usually those who suffer more from headache, which explains to a large extent their high level of participation. Main conclusions Of the total of respondents, 56% stated that, since using mask, visor or goggles regularly, they have developed new migraines; 90% of those who suffered from headache previously to the pandemic, noted a global worsening of those events, since they started using PPE; Besides an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of crises, who already suffered from headache refers a lower effectiveness of the usual control therapeutic. The team that elaborated this national survey and analysed its results integrates Raquel Gil-Gouveia , Renato Oliveira , Elsa Parreira and Sara Fernandes Machado , from Hospital da Luz Headache Centre, Liliana Pereira, board member of the Portuguese Society of Headache , and Madalena Plácido, president of MiGRA Portugal. “ The use of PPE is fundamental in the actual context and should be scrupulously maintained. But considering the conclusions of the study conducted, it is advisable to take preventive measures ”, highlights Renato Oliveira. Among those measures is, for instance, “the introduction of regular breaks in the use of such equipment, for rest”, as well as teleworking or in-person work for shorter periods, “whenever possible”.
