Severe headache following vaccine

[Elisannah]

My husband had his first vaccine 5 weeks ago and had a severe headache come on 2 days afterwards - it's been there ever since. He's spoken to two GPs who have just said it's unlikely to be the vaccine and then looked at other things it could be.

I know it's highly unlikely to be the vaccine however it's not impossible...Am I right in thinking that someone should be prepared to properly look into it, considering the potential links to clots?

I feel like the fact it's been consistent rather than worsening is probably reassuring? He has ME so maybe it's triggered a headache secondary to that?

Just wanting opinions on whether we're being over the top linking it to the vaccine or whether it's fair enough that we push for a review?

I'm really in favour of the vaccine so not at all wanting to put people off getting it.

That’s worrying that the GPs have brushed it off when the advice is to contact them if you have a severe headache after the AZ vaccination. Although 5 weeks ago I don't think that was the advice so maybe the didn’t know then. Was it AZ? I would be contacting them again with a copy of the official advice regarding severe headaches post vaccine.

Hope he’s ok.

What other things did the GP think it might be?

www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/immunology-and-vaccines/contact-gp-if-headache-persists-more-than-four-days-after-covid-jab-mhra-tells-patients/

I would go to a&e rather than wait for GP.

Sorry for not replying sooner - thank you for your comments!

@myalternate - we assumed it was side effects of some medication he was on, as did the doctors. However they feel that should have settled by now so they've moved on to it being secondary to something else. It could be that, and most likely is, however I just find it concerning that they seem to be reluctant to even consider it as secondary to the vaccine considering the timing.

I'm assuming that, because he has no other symptoms of a clot on the brain, that they're confident it's not related. I think i need to hear them say that explicitly so I'll ask him to talk to them again and highlight he's read the advice about seeking medical attention.

I don't think it's for A&E as its a chronic rather than acute symptom. Wish we'd known about it at the time as could have pushed it more when it came on!

Thanks - it's just reassuring to know I'm not being overly dramatic

@Elisannah it’s hopefully not connected to the vaccine but I’d want it looking into. The clot related to the vaccination is related to low platelet levels which can be ruled out by a blood test. Could you speak to 111 for advice, they’d most likely be able to put your husband through to a practitioner who can assess him and decide on the best course of action after today’s press conference. I hope it’s nothing to worry about and you can get to the bottom of what’s going on.

Just turn up at a&e and demand a ct scan!!
I had a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis 2 years ago and had a severe headache for 3 weeks before it hemorrhaged.
Its better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn't trust a gp at the moment.

I know you’ve said it’s chronic not acute but really this needs investigating urgently with a scan. I’m not a doctor but wouldn’t it be possible for it to be a clot which is half blocking a blood vessel causing such a long term headache? Maybe it could resolve on its own but the alternative is that the clot gets bigger. I’d be going to a&e. Say it’s got worse if you’re worried about being told off for going for a long term issue.

My friend had the same, fobbed off by GP who suggested she get her eyes tested so she went to the optitions who saw a build up of fluid and rang her gp, she was sent straight to the hospital.
Can't remember the name of what it was but she's fine now.
I wouldn't leave it if I were you

When did you speak to the GPs? You mention your DH had the vaccine 5 weeks ago, the advice about possible relationship with a headache is more recent. Maybe they didn’t know then but would know now?

From your own personal perspective, It’s not unreasonable to be concerned about his particular symptoms (and looking at it in a different light now, with regard to the AZ vaccine).

It is incredibly unlikely to be this extremely rare type of blood clot.

However, If he has a dreadful headache over weeks that won’t go, I would be seeking further medical advice, COVID jab or not.

I would report through the yellow card system.

From a wider perspective, I don’t think you can blame GPs as the information has only just come to light.
I suspect GPs, 111 and a&e will all see a sharp uptick in enquires now.

This is unfortunately one of the logistical issues when giving a new medicine to millions and millions of people all at once.

You are going to spot these incredibly rare side effects. By definition, this will only happen after it has been given to vast numbers of people.

With so much focus on it, every related symptom is going to be disproportionately reported.

I do wonder if this will turn out to be an incredibly tiny risk for all vaccines designed around the spike protein (it’s still too early for data on Pfizer, but a post marketing assessment is coming from the US in a few weeks).

Vaccine or not, I’d be going back to GP. Can you see a private neurologist to get an MRI?
My dh had a lot of headaches after his flu jab in Dec - GP told him to keep a headache diary but they went in the end (he had them on and off for 2 weeks). If it had continued I’d have pushed for tests - I know of too many people who’ve had brain tumours to be complacent about headaches, sorry.