Usage of Phenytoin in Treatment of severe Headache in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

COVID-19 is a viral infection transmitted through the respiratory system, caused by Coronavirus type 2 usually get excess to the body through Flügge microdroplet of an infected person to a healthy one with air although direct contact and aerosol may be another route for transmission. This is a prospective study of 500 patients (63% women) conducted in a medical city in Baghdad. In a study patients’ collection started in Aug 2020 for six weeks. They followed for at least six months after they recovered from COVID-19. Among 500 patients included 53.4% were male (out of those 118 were complain of severe headaches 23.6%), while females comprise about 46.6% of total patients of that 13% had severe headaches. The highest age group with severe headaches was (60-65) years coming next (51-55) years. group A had a partial response to drugs used although more than 60% respond to a combination of  Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, while in group B good control of Headache was achieved (80%) when adding Phenytoin to treatment protocol during and after the acute stage of the disease. There is controversy about the treatment of headaches caused by COVID-19 but for sure, Acetomenaphin combined with NSADI drugs is the best and safe choice. In refractory cases, antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin are added to achieve freedom of pain and for a long-term period.