LOUISVILLE, Ky. — We’ve all had that nasty headache from time to time, but for some who have recovered from COVID-19, they’re dealing with a constant headache that can linger for months.

“Imagine that 24/7 headache for a period of three months,” said Dr. Brian Plato, a headache neurologist with the Norton Neuroscience Institute, giving you a small taste for the plight that some are dealing with after being infected and sick with COVID-19.

“We are seeing a lot of individuals who were sick months ago and they still continue to have headaches as a predominant and lingering symptom that is resistant to treatment,” said Plato.

Plato said he was concerned about an uncommon condition known as New Daily Persistent Headache that was previously associated with viral infections. The spike in headaches in individuals previously sick with COVID-19 is something that neurologists and headache specialists expect to continue to see in patients.

“This is definitely something we are going to see down the road as a lasting effect of some individuals who are infected," Plato said.

The treatment approach can vary. Some patients can get better with time, while others need to be prescribed a steroid.

Plato wants to encourage people to continue to practice all COVID-19 safety precautions. He said that these debilitating headaches can negatively impact the quality of life.

“But they are living now with really significant symptoms that’s impairing them to go to work, be with their family. The lasting effects are quite disabling,” he added.

Plato encourages people to not simply explain away or write off a headache, especially if they are becoming more common.

Norton Healthcare has a headache quiz that can help people determine if their headaches are enough to warrant seeing a doctor.