EFFECT OF PERIPHERAL NEUROMODULATION ON HEADACHE IN POST COVID-19 SURVIVORS

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the impact of peripheral neuromodulation through vagus nerve stimulation on headache in Post COVID-19 survivors. Methods: Thirty Post COVID-19 survivors from both genders (17 females and 13 males) aged from 20 to 40 years who suffered from Post COVID-19 headache were recruited and randomized into two groups of equal number. Subjects in group A (study group) received transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation as well as the designed physiotherapy program whereas subjects in group B (control group) underwent placebo transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on vagus nerve in addition to the same designed physical therapy program. The treatment was carried-out for 5 sessions each week for four weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the intensity of headache pain whereas the headache disability index (HDI) was used to measure the disability resulted from headache. Results: The findings showed significant decline in VAS and HDI post treatment in study group (A) and control group (B) in comparison with that pretreatment (p<0.001). Between-group analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups pretreatment (p>0.05), whereas there was significant decline in VAS and HDI in study group in comparison with that of the control group posttreatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: peripheral neuromodulation is more effective in managing headache in post COVID-19 survivors.