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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Short report

Should we educate about the risks of medication overuse headache?

Authors: James TF Lai, John DC Dereix, Ravi P Ganepola, Peter G Nightingale, Kiera A Markey, Paul N Aveyard, Alexandra J Sinclair

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is caused by the regular use of medications to treat headache. There has been a lack of research into awareness of MOH. We distributed an electronic survey to undergraduate students and their contacts via social networking sites. Analgesic use, awareness of MOH, perceived change in behaviour following educational intervention about the risks of MOH and preferred terminology for MOH was evaluated.

Findings

485 respondents completed the questionnaire (41% having received healthcare training). 77% were unaware of the possibility of MOH resulting from regular analgesic use for headache. Following education about MOH, 80% stated they would reduce analgesic consumption or seek medical advice. 83% indicated that over the counter analgesia should carry a warning of MOH. The preferred terminology for MOH was painkiller-induced headache.

Conclusions

This study highlights the lack of awareness of MOH. Improved education about MOH and informative packaging of analgesics, highlighting the risks in preferred lay terminology (i.e. painkiller-induced headache), may reduce this iatrogenic morbidity and warrants further evaluation.

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Title: Should we educate about the risks of medication overuse headache?
Authors: James TF Lai
John DC Dereix
Ravi P Ganepola
Peter G Nightingale
Kiera A Markey
Paul N Aveyard
Alexandra J Sinclair
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-15-10

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Should we educate about the risks of medication overuse headache?

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

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