Medication overuse headache

Sait Ashina, Gisela M. Terwindt, Timothy J. Steiner, Mi Ji Lee, Frank Porreca, Cristina Tassorelli, Todd J. Schwedt, Rigmor H. Jensen, Hans Christoph Diener, Richard B. Lipton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a secondary headache disorder attributed to overuse of acute headache medications by a person with an underlying headache disorder, usually migraine or tension-type headache. MOH is common among individuals with 15 or more headache days per month. Although MOH is associated with substantial disability and reductions in quality of life, this condition is often under-recognized. As MOH is both preventable and treatable, it warrants greater attention and awareness. The diagnosis of MOH is based on the history and an unremarkable neurological examination, and is made according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition (ICHD-3). Pathophysiological mechanisms of MOH include altered descending pain modulation, central sensitization and biobehavioural factors. Treatment of MOH includes the use of headache preventive therapies, but essential to success is eliminating the cause, by reducing the frequency of use of acute headache medication, and perhaps withdrawing the overused medication altogether. Appropriate treatment is usually highly effective, leading to reduced headache burden and acute medication consumption.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number5
JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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