COVID & Headaches

Hello everyone. As the title says, I'm having issue with headaches that have been occurring ever since I had my COVID vaccine (the 1st one). I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue and has any advice? From what I've heard over the years it seems that it may be a common issue? (I'm a 47 year old male by the way).

Anyway, I had my 1st vaccine around May 2021. About 3 days after having it and feeling a bit under the weather, I started to feel right again. However, on the same day I had a minor dizzy spell with minor headaches coming and going. Over the months throughout 2021 I went to the emergency department around 3/4 times to get this checked. They did basic checks on me (nothing in-depth) and essentially said everything was fine. Trusting my hospital I assumed that I must be fine. If they were concerned about anything they would have kept me in and done further tests, right??

So anyway, years down the line I still suffer from headaches and (back of the) neck ache that comes and go. Nothing major, say 4/10, maybe 4.5/10, minor background aches. I can do my job and function as normal, but when I get these headaches I just feel under the weather. The headaches move around all over the place. Forehead, back of the head, back of the neck, around my ears, sometimes down the front of my face, sometimes my head feels full or heavy. So I think they could be tension? Anxiety? Sinuses? Migraines? They cover all the boxes frankly. All around my head and neck, often moving, constantly changing.

I sometimes think it all might be psychological because it seems as if I sometimes bring these headaches on myself by thinking them. I have gone months and months with no issues, then I remember about it, and sure enough, they turn up as if I wished it upon myself.

When these headaches occur they can last up to 2 months off and on before just fading away. Then I might be fine for 6 months, give or take, and they just come back.

I have never had any history of headaches before that 1st vaccine, although my brother did have migraines when he was younger (though not anymore as an adult of 46).

Can anyone give me some advice? I have kinda scared myself reading online :/

  • Although I mention the vaccine (which I still think is a major factor here), I am concerned about what these headaches could potentially be. I am worried about brain tumors or anything in that vein. 

  • Hello Colin78

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing concerns about intermittent headaches that you've been experiencing. 

    As you've said there could be any number of reasons for why you're experiencing these headaches but it would be sensible to make an appointment with your GP, who will be best placed to arrange any necessary tests or referrals. Hopefully they will be able to give you some reassurance. 

    I hope you have some clarity soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi. Yes I will probably do that. However, the fact this has been going on for 4 years makes me think the doctor may dismiss it too easily. I have also had some other issues over the years and I worry the doctors think I'm being a pain and hypochondriac (which I do sometimes get the feeling when you manage to speak with them). 

    But essentially I was hoping to get some info from anyone on here who may have heard about similar complaints from people, similar problems which could help solve the problem. I recall on one visit to the hospital years ago (about this), the doctor said he had seen lots of people with the same complaint, so I'm hoping someone might have some insight. Also, if these problems maybe sound serious? Am I being too paranoid?