The headache and adverse events due to the use of personal protective equipment to combat Covid-19

Abstract

Personal protective equipment such as a mask, face shield, and glasses for healthcare professionals has never been more widespread during is the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic. These devices compress the scalp tissue circumferentially and often leave pressure marks after its removal, as is often observed in the case of the mask. This situation has affected the work environment of professionals who have been at the forefront of combating Covid-19 since December 2019, in units dedicated to the care of infected patients. Therefore, we wonder about the need and importance of exploring the adverse event of prolonged use of personal protective equipment such as mask, face shield, and goggles associated with the triggering of external pressure headaches. The etiology of this type of headache is triggered by external pressure resulting from the sustained compression of the soft tissues of the epicrania, associated with the use of the equipment on the head, which can lead to work disability. For those who already suffer from primary headaches such as migraines, the damage can be greater, as the continued use of the accessory by pressing on sensitive areas for an extended period can increase the chance of triggering a crisis. Based on these notes, it is recommended that greater attention be paid to the care with the improvement of protective equipment as an object of study, in the search for alternatives that can minimize the damage caused.