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Medication overuse headache

Valerie Cheung1, Farnaz Amoozegar, Esma Dilli

  • 1Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Center-8219, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|November 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a disabling condition affecting 1-2% of the population. Early identification of patients at risk of analgesic overuse is crucial for effective management and preventing high relapse rates.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a prevalent and disabling headache disorder.
  • Defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (beta version), MOH involves chronic headaches (≥15 days/month) from regular medication overuse for over 3 months.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the understanding of Medication Overuse Headache (MOH).
  • To outline the definition, pathophysiology, treatment, and relapse rates of MOH.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on MOH definition, prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies.
  • Analysis of current evidence regarding genetic, behavioral, and neurobiological factors contributing to MOH.

Main Results:

  • MOH affects 1-2% of the general population and is characterized by frequent headaches due to medication overuse.
  • Pathophysiology involves complex genetic and behavioral factors, with contributions from cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular system, and neurotransmitters.
  • Treatment includes patient education, drug withdrawal, and preventative therapy, but relapse rates remain high at 41%.

Conclusions:

  • MOH is a significant cause of chronic headache with complex underlying mechanisms.
  • Effective management requires patient education, cessation of offending medications, and appropriate preventative strategies.
  • Identifying at-risk individuals is essential to mitigate the severe impact of MOH on quality of life and reduce high relapse rates.

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