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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 1/2015

01-01-2015 | Headache (R Halker, Section Editor)

Medication Overuse Headache

Authors: Valerie Cheung, Farnaz Amoozegar, Esma Dilli

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a common and disabling headache disorder. It has a prevalence of about 1–2 % in the general population. The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (beta version) has defined MOH as a chronic headache disorder in which the headache occurs on 15 or more days per month due to regular overuse of medication. These headaches must have been present for more than 3 months. The pathophysiology is complex and not completely known. It involves genetic and behavioural factors. There is evidence that cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular system and neurotransmitters contribute to the pain pathway of MOH. The treatment of MOH includes patient education, stopping the offending drug(s), rescue therapy for withdrawal symptoms and preventative therapy. Relapse rates for MOH are high at 41 %. MOH can severely impact quality of life, so it is important to identify patients who are at risk of analgesic overuse.
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Metadata
Title
Medication Overuse Headache
Authors
Valerie Cheung
Farnaz Amoozegar
Esma Dilli
Publication date
01-01-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-014-0509-x

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