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Original poster

Vaccine headache

39 replies

Spied · 02/02/2021 14:46

Am absolutely delighted to have had my Covid vaccine.
I had the AstraZeneca almost two weeks ago- the first dose.
Anyone else had a headache that's lasted this long after the vaccine?
I've had regular Covid tests through work and negative so I can't put it down to that plus I've no other symptoms.
Just curious.
Tia

OP posts:
Original poster
Spied · 02/02/2021 14:47

I'm aware it could be totally unrelated

OP posts:
JenTTC1981 · 24/03/2021 09:05

Yes! I had mine nearly 3 weeks ago and I’ve had headaches every day since. Dull headaches. It’s scary because I’m now convinced it’s unrelated and a brain tumour or somthing!! Did your headaches eventually stop?

Seeline · 24/03/2021 09:07

There was something on the news the other day - if your headache lasted more than 4 days after the vaccination oyu should contact 111 or your GP. Can't remember the details - have a google.

TheDogsMother · 24/03/2021 09:09

I've had several mild ones since my vaccine and one I couldn't shake off for hours. First time I've taken Nurofen in years.

NLM20 · 24/03/2021 10:02

Yes, I’ve had a lot and it’s been six weeks now. But I am headache prone so it’s exacerbated my normal. I don’t have continuous headaches though I do have one every few weeks.

maddy68 · 24/03/2021 10:06

I had them for three weeks afterwards. Horrible.

SoundOfFalsetto · 24/03/2021 10:08

I had mine 24 hours ago and I am spent the last 14 hours under a dark blanket. I can hardly lift my head up.

Bramshott · 24/03/2021 15:28

I have been feeling very 'sinusy' since my jab 2.5 weeks ago. But then I have had sinusy problems in the past and maybe it's just the start of hayfever season!

I've googled all the stuff around CSVT and the kind of headaches you should be concerned about/report and am confident it's not that, but it's annoying and I really hope it stops soon!

@SoundOfFalsetto sorry to hear you are suffering. Do keep an eye on that kind of debilitating headache if it goes on longer than 4 days.

Chillychangchoo · 24/03/2021 15:42

I had mine yesterday and I’ve had a dull headache today. I feel like I’ve had a bottle and a half of wine to be honest. Roll on bedtime.

EightToSixer · 24/03/2021 15:49

Still getting headaches and generally feeling a bit thick headed and woozy intermittently after 10 days. Not Unwell enough to be really concerned but with to feel like I’ve forgotten what’s it feels like to feel myself

SheilaTakeABow · 24/03/2021 16:18

I've still got a constant dull, sinus-y headache eight days on.

Having scared myself shitless with the brain haemorrhage/CVST news, ended up ringing 111 today, who referred me to pharmacist.

We went through all the danger signs for something serious (I had none), and she told me she's having lots of these calls.

Can't decide if that makes me feel better or worse Confused

SheilaTakeABow · 24/03/2021 16:22

And this may be telling people to suck eggs, but she suggested steaming my head, which has eased things somewhat

FlyingBurrito · 24/03/2021 16:25

I've had a couple of headaches which is a bit unusual for me but I put it down to a result of lockdown insomnia, I hadnt even thought to connect it to my jab

Nothing that a nurofen didn't clear

JenTTC1981 · 24/03/2021 21:35

@SheilaTakeABow , I’m so scared of that too! What did she say the main symptoms are if you don’t mind me asking? I’m 3 weeks since the vaccine and I have headaches every day throughout the day. So worried.

SheenMcQueen · 24/03/2021 21:43

I still have a mild headache several days later. But I am also headache prone so very hard to know if its vaccine related. I would also be interested to know what questions you were asked @SheilaTakeABow. I am confident in the vaccine and common sense (as well statistics) tell me that the clotting issues are probably just coincidence, but I have been having to talk myself out of worrying.

SheilaTakeABow · 25/03/2021 08:05

@SheenMcQueen @JenTTC1981
Just want to caveat it by saying this was just a phone call, she didn't see my in person and was a pharmacist, not a GP or doctor (I'm well aware how highly qualified pharmacists, but admit I was a bit puzzled to be referred to her from 111).

And also bear in mind this was very reassuring on the phone - written down it looks a bit more meh!

Anyway, she said the worrying signs would be dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, something to do with pupils, and severe pain.

She also sounded slightly exasperated with the situation and the prominence that had been given to a vanishingly rare side effect (she also said something about those who'd had reactions had underlying conditions - not entirely sure she'd be privy to that info).

If you're still worried, I'd give your GP or 111 a call - it is what anyone with a headache has been advised to do Confused

JenTTC1981 · 25/03/2021 08:12

@SheilaTakeABow thank you so much. I actually called 111 myself last night as I’ve been so worried. A gp called me back at 1am and told me I need to go to a&e and get a brain scan as the headaches are a sign of what’s been reported by some people after having the vaccine, and it could be clots on the brain! I’m so scared but I’d definitely say If you aren’t happy with the outcome from the pharmacy and you still have those headaches, maybe you should do the same lovely x

Liveandletlive3 · 25/03/2021 08:23

A relative of mine suffered with a migraine for aboutb4 days with some swelling under her eye. Started to settle after about 4 days.
Hope you feel better soon op

SheilaTakeABow · 25/03/2021 08:26

Glad you're being seen @JenTTC1981, yours have been going on a lot longer than mine.
Mine isn't as bad today (the steaming has helped) but will definitely push further if they carry on much longer.

It's a tricky situation; told to seek medical advice if you get a headache, but then the medical advice is pretty much to keep an eye on yourself and try to assess your own potential illness Confused - much like it was with Covid itself.

Let us know how you get on.

ifonly4 · 25/03/2021 08:58

I had a dull headache for about a week, only gave in once and had paracetamol. One favour it has done me though is that I slept really well that week and I find I'm sleeping better now - I get through to about 5/5.30am before waking, whereas I was waking about three times a night and very restless before.

SheenMcQueen · 25/03/2021 09:23

I had to talk to the GP a out something else this morning and mentioned my headache at the end. She wasn't worried. She said that markers for her would be:

Severe Pain gradually or rapidly increasing
Muscle weakness
Numbness
Changes to vision.

Now I realise that these would be late symptoms of a an impending stroke or a clot but presumably we don't have the resources (or need) to scan everyone who has a headache - especially given that it's so vanishingly rare.

So a very different response than that of @JenTTC1981 GP.

JenTTC1981 · 25/03/2021 11:21

Update. They took bloods and have sent me straight for a CT scan. I’ll let you know how it goes. X

SheenMcQueen · 25/03/2021 11:44

@JenTTC1981

Hopefully it will be fine and you will have your mind put at rest. Do let us know how you get on.

SheilaTakeABow · 25/03/2021 11:58

Yes, it's always best to be careful if you're worried @JenTTC1981. Like @SheenMcQueen, the info I got from a pharmacist very much gelled with my symptoms, so I was reassured, and I'm feeling a little better today.

JenTTC1981 · 25/03/2021 13:39

All clear but being sent for mri next week and headache clinic as 3 weeks of headaches not normal apparently. Received for now!