What is Medication Overuse Headache?
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) is a secondary headache disorder that occurs in patients with a history of primary headache disorders, particularly those experiencing migraines. It results from the excessive use of acute headache medications, leading to a cycle of worsening headache frequency and intensity.
Causes
MOH typically develops when individuals use pain relief medications more than two to three times per week over a period of three months. Common medications involved include analgesics, triptans, ergotamines, and opioids. Mismanagement of chronic migraines often perpetuates this cycle, causing patients to self-medicate in an attempt to alleviate frequent attacks.
Symptoms
Patients with MOH may experience daily or near-daily headaches, which can be difficult to differentiate from the original migraine symptoms. The headaches often worsen with medication use and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and irritability.
Treatment
Effective management of MOH typically involves a structured withdrawal from the overused medication under medical supervision. This is often followed by a tailored treatment plan for the underlying migraine condition, aiming to reduce headache frequency without reliance on acute medications.
Prevention
To prevent MOH, it is crucial to adhere to prescribed treatments for migraine and limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications. Education about migraine management strategies and lifestyle modifications can significantly decrease the risk of medication overuse.