Medication overuse headache (MOH) occurs when a person takes acute headache medication too frequently. To be diagnosed with this condition, a person must have a pre-existing headache disorder and have used medication for at least 3 months, resulting in 15 or more headache days per month.
Research suggests that these headaches are linked to changes in the body. These include the sensitization of the trigeminovascular system, problems with how the body blocks pain, and increased activity in the brain's cortex. These factors can make the pain harder to manage over time.
While these headaches are entirely preventable, they are not always recognized in clinical settings. Treatment focuses on two main pillars: withdrawing from the overused medication and starting a preventative treatment. Because this information comes from a narrative review, it provides a general overview of the condition rather than results from a specific clinical trial.
Common questions
What is a medication overuse headache?
A medication overuse headache occurs when a person uses acute headache medication for at least 3 months. To meet the official diagnosis, the person must have a pre-existing headache disorder and experience at least 15 headache days per month due to the overused medication.
How is medication overuse headache treated?
Treatment for these headaches relies on two main pillars. The first is the withdrawal from the overused medication. The second is the use of prophylactic, or preventative, treatment to manage the condition and address the underlying sensitivity of the nervous system.
Why does overusing medication cause more headaches?
Overusing medication can lead to changes in the body's pain system. This includes the sensitization of the trigeminovascular system, impaired descending pain modulation, and cortical hyperexcitability. These factors can make the brain more sensitive to pain signals over time.
