Medication-overuse headache

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 399-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R Wakerley
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Migraine Treatment ◽  
General Neurology ◽  
Acute Headache ◽  
Acute Migraine Treatment

Medication-overuse headache is defined as headache occurring on more than 15days in a month in people with pre-existing primary headache, and developing as a consequence of regular overuse of acute headache treatments. Medication-overuse headache is common in general neurology clinics and can be difficult to manage. Most patients have a background of migraine, which has slowly transformed over months and years from the episodic to chronic form; with this comes an increased use of acute migraine treatment. This paper identifies who is at risk of developing medication-overuse headache, and reviews preventive measures and current treatment strategies.

Treatment of medication-overuse headache: A systematic review

Cephalalgia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Chun Chiang ◽  
Todd J Schwedt ◽  
Shuu-Jiun Wang ◽  
David W Dodick
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Early Discontinuation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Preventive Medication ◽  
Long Term Prognosis ◽  
Acute Headache

Introduction The objective of this review is to provide an evidence-based discussion of different treatment strategies for medication-overuse headache (MOH). Method We searched PubMed for articles discussing the treatment and prognosis of MOH published between 2004 and August 2014. Titles, abstract and articles were reviewed systematically. The level of evidence provided by each study of the included articles was determined according to the American Academy of Neurology Clinical practice guideline manual. We discuss the level of evidence to support the early discontinuation/withdrawal of overused medications, the level of evidence to support the use of preventive treatment, the short- and long-term prognosis, and the outcome according to the class of drug overused in patients diagnosed with MOH. Results The initial search resulted in 1313 articles; 68 articles met our inclusion criteria and were discussed. The level of evidence to support early discontinuation of overused medications alone is low due to the absence of controlled studies. Adding preventive medication to early discontinuation led to a better outcome than early discontinuation alone. For patients with chronic migraine (CM) and medication overuse (MO), there are large randomized control trials supporting the use of onabotulinumtoxinA and topiramate without early discontinuation of overuse; however, the evidence is limited since data were obtained from post hoc analysis. Conclusion Considering current available evidence and the systemic toxicity of overusing acute headache medication, we suggest discontinuation of the overused medication with the addition of preventive medication. Appropriately sized, randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety and long-term efficacy of preventive medication plus early discontinuation of overuse vs preventive medication alone vs early discontinuation of overuse alone are needed.

scholarly journals P.033 Eptinezumab reduced acute medication use in patients with chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache: subgroup analysis of Promise-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (s3) ◽  
pp. S29-S29
Author(s):  
MJ Marmura ◽  
H Diener ◽  
J Hirman ◽  
R Cady ◽  
T Brevig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Migraine ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Migraine Treatment ◽  
Medication History ◽  
Medication Class ◽  
The Us ◽  
Acute Headache ◽  
The Impact

Background: Eptinezumab is a preventive migraine treatment approved in the US. We evaluated the impact of eptinezumab on acute headache medication (AHM) use in patients diagnosed with chronic migraine (CM) and medication-overuse headache (MOH) in PROMISE-2. Methods: PROMISE-2 randomized patients with CM to eptinezumab 100mg, 300mg, or placebo for 2 intravenous doses administered every 12 weeks. Trained investigators diagnosed MOH at screening using 3-month medication history and ICHD-3b criteria. Endpoints included days/month of any AHM use (days of ≥1 medication class), total AHM use (summed days for each medication class), and triptan use over Weeks 1-12 and 13-24. AHM classes included triptan, ergot, opioid, simple analgesic, and combination analgesic. Results: Of 1072 PROMISE-2 patients, 431 (40.2%) were diagnosed with MOH (100mg, n=139; 300mg, n=147; placebo, n=145). During the 28-day baseline period, mean days of any AHM was ~16.4, total AHM was ~20.4, and triptan was ~8.9 across treatment arms. Over Weeks 1-12, mean days/month of any AHM was 8.8 (100mg), 9.9 (300mg), and 11.8 (placebo); total AHM was 10.8, 12.2, and 14.8; triptan was 4.3, 4.4, and 6.4. Similar or lower rates were observed over Weeks 13-24. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with both CM and MOH, eptinezumab treatment reduced AHM use.

Risk factors in medication-overuse headache: A 1-year follow-up study (care II protocol)

Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sances ◽  
N Ghiotto ◽  
F Galli ◽  
E Guaschino ◽  
C Rezzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Headache Centre ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
One Year ◽  
Predictor Factors

To investigate factors influencing prognosis in medication-overuse headache (MOH), we conducted a 12-month follow-up of patients with probable MOH. We recruited 215 patients consecutively admitted to our headache centre for an inpatient detoxification treatment. We analysed likely predictor factors for headache resolution (sex, age, primary headache, psychiatric comorbidity, type and timing of overuse). Mann–Whitney U-test and chi-squared test were used. One year after withdrawal, we had complete data on 172 patients (80%): 38 of these patients (22%) had relapsed into overuse and 134 (78%) had not. The negative prognostic factors for relapse were: intake of more than 30 doses/month ( P = 0.004), smoking ( P = 0.012), alcohol consumption ( P = 0.037), non-confirmation of MOH diagnosis 2 months after detoxification ( P = 0.000), and return to overused drug(s) ( P = 0.000). The 1-year relapse rate was 22%. The existence of sub-groups of MOH patients with such risk factors could influence treatment strategies.

scholarly journals Medication-overuse headache and opioid-induced hyperalgesia: A review of mechanisms, a neuroimmune hypothesis and a novel approach to treatment

Cephalalgia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta L Johnson ◽  
Mark R Hutchinson ◽  
Desmond B Williams ◽  
Paul Rolan
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Glial Activation ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Opioid Administration ◽  
Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia ◽  
Inflammatory State ◽  
Acute Headache

Introduction Patients with chronic headache who consume large amounts of analgesics are often encountered in clinical practice. Excessive intake of analgesics is now considered to be a cause, rather than simply a consequence, of frequent headaches, and as such the diagnosis “medication-overuse headache” (MOH) has been formulated. Despite the prevalence and clinical impact of MOH, the pathophysiology behind this disorder remains unclear and specific mechanism-based treatment options are lacking. Discussion Although most acute headache treatments have been alleged to cause MOH, here we conclude from the literature that opioids are a particularly problematic drug class consistently associated with worsening headache. MOH may not be a single entity, as each class of drug implicated may cause MOH via a different mechanism. Recent evidence indicates that chronic opioid administration may exacerbate pain in the long term by activating toll-like receptor-4 on glial cells, resulting in a pro-inflammatory state that manifests clinically as increased pain. Thus, from the available evidence it seems opioid-overuse headache is a phenomenon similar to opioid-induced hyperalgesia, which derives from a cumulative interaction between central sensitisation, due to repeated activation of nociceptive pathways by recurrent headaches, and pain facilitation due to glial activation. Conclusion Treatment strategies directed at inhibiting glial activation may be of benefit alongside medication withdrawal in the management of MOH.

scholarly journals Medication Overuse Headache

Migraine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhruv Bansal ◽  
Pritesh Pranay ◽  
Fayyaz Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Secondary Headache ◽  
Prophylactic Drugs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Withdrawal Therapy ◽  
The Individual

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is defined in the latest ICHD-3 criteria as a secondary headache caused by worsening of a pre-existing headache (usually a primary headache) owing to overuse of one or more attack-aborting or pain-relieving medications. MOH can be debilitating and results from biochemical and functional brain changes induced by certain medications taken too frequently. Various risk factors some modifiable, other non-modifiable (Multiple Gene Polymorphisms) have been hypothesised in MOH. Psychiatric co-morbidities in MOH are noticeably (anxiety and depression) found to be co morbid disorders by more than chance. This has to be managed effectively along with treatment strategies for MOH for efficacious response to withdrawal treatment. Ample literature and clinical evidence shown in prospective trials, that withdrawal therapy is the best treatment for MOH. The mainstay of MOH treatment is not only to detoxify the patients and to stop the chronic headache but also, most likely, to improve responsiveness to acute or prophylactic drugs. Studies advocating prophylactic treatment with good response to mainly topiramate and OnabotulinumtoxinA do exist, less prominent for prednisolone, however, not recommended for every patient. Management may be complex and must be done via MDT approach with involvement of specialists when needed along with incorporating adequate treatment of acute withdrawal symptoms, educational and behavioural programs to ensure patient understanding of the condition and compliance. There are arguments on either sides of inpatient and outpatient withdrawal for MOH patients dependent heavily on the individual circumstances i.e. patient’s motivation, the duration of the overuse, the type of overused drugs, possible previous history of detoxification failures and co morbidities. Treatment trials are still required to determine for clinicians the best evidence-based approach for helping these patients break their headache cycle.

Secondary headache attributed to exposure to or overuse of a substance

Cephalalgia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 033310242094223
Author(s):  
Kati Toom ◽  
Mark Braschinsky ◽  
Mark Obermann ◽  
Zara Katsarava
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Headache Disorder ◽  
Tension Type Headache ◽  
Secondary Headache ◽  
Primary Headache Disorder ◽  
Type Headache ◽  
Acute Headache

Background Secondary headaches attributed to exposure to or the overuse of a substance are classified under chapter eight in the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Three distinct sub-chapters consider: 1. Headache attributed to exposure to a substance, 2. Medication overuse headache, and 3. Headache attributed to substance withdrawal. Headache attributed to exposure to a substance refers to a headache with onset immediately or within hours after the exposure, while medication overuse headache is a headache occurring on 15 or more days per month that has developed as a consequence of regular usage of acute headache medication(s) for more than three consecutive months in a patient with a pre-existing primary headache disorder. The withdrawal of caffeine, oestrogen, and opioids is most often associated with the development of headache. Discussion Despite the current headache classification, there is no certainty of a causal relationship between the use of any substance and the development of headache. Some substances are likely to provoke headache in patients that suffer from a primary headache disorder like migraine, tension-type headache or cluster headache, while others were described to cause headache even in people that generally do not get headaches. Toxic agents, such as carbon monoxide (CO) are difficult to investigate systematically, while other substances such as nitric oxide (NO) were specifically used to induce headache experimentally. If a patient with an underlying primary headache disorder develops a headache, in temporal relation to exposure to a substance, which is significantly worse than the usual headache it is considered secondary. This is even more the case if the headache phenotype is different from the usually experienced headache characteristics. Medication overuse headache is a well-described, distinct disease entity with only marginally understood pathophysiology and associated psychological factors. Managing medication overuse headache patients includes education, detoxification, prophylactic treatments and treating comorbidities, which is reflected in available guidelines. Viewing medication overuse headache as a separate entity helps clinicians and researchers better recognise, treat and study the disorder. Conclusion Identification of substances that may cause or trigger secondary headache is important in order to educate patients and health care professionals about potential effects of these substances and prevent unnecessary suffering, as well as deterioration in quality of life. Treatment in case of medication overuse and other chronic headache should be decisive and effective.

Outcome of Medication Overuse Headache after Abrupt in-Patient withdrawal

Cephalalgia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Relja ◽  
A Granato ◽  
A Bratina ◽  
RM Antonello ◽  
M Zorzon
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Drug Intake ◽  
Patient Withdrawal ◽  
Abrupt Discontinuation ◽  
Medication Abuse ◽  
Daily Headache ◽  
Mean Time

One hundred and one patients suffering from chronic daily headache (CDH) and medication overuse were treated, in an in-patient setting, with abrupt discontinuation of the medication overused, intravenous hydrating, and intravenous administration of benzodiazepines and ademetionine. The mean time to CDH resolution was 8.8 days. The in-patient withdrawal protocol used was effective, safe and well tolerated. There was a trend for a shorter time to CDH resolution in patients who overused triptans ( P = 0.062). There was no correlation between time to CDH resolution and either the type of initial primary headache or duration of medication abuse, whereas time to CDH resolution was related to daily drug intake ( P = 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, daily drug intake, age and type of medication overused were independent predictors of time to CDH resolution. At 3-months' follow-up, no patient had relapsed and was again overusing symptomatic medications.

Case series of sixteen patients with nummular headache

Cephalalgia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1527-1530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Moon ◽  
Kamran Ahmed ◽  
Ivan Garza
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Headache Disorder ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Nummular Headache ◽  
Primary Headache Disorder ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Nummular headache is a rare primary headache disorder described by a focal circumscribed area of pain (2–6 cm in diameter). Literature on this disorder is sparse. Patients and methods: Here, we describe a case series of 16 patients (6 men, 10 women) seen at the Mayo Clinic. Results: Mean age of onset was 50 years (range, 19–79 years) and mean duration of headache was 7.9 years (range, 0.33–40 years). Location of headache varied and was found to be an average of 3.9 cm in diameter (range, 2–10 cm). Headache was episodic (<15 days/month) in four patients and chronic (>15 days/month) in 12 patients. Attention was paid to therapeutic interventions. Resolution was seen in 38% of patients. Migraine was present in the history of 56% of patients and medication overuse headache was found in 25%. Conclusions: Our series results support previous findings. In our population, no specific therapy was identified to be effective in more than one patient.

scholarly journals Personality and Personality Disorders in Medication-Overuse Headache: A Controlled Study by SWAP-200

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Galli ◽  
Annalisa Tanzilli ◽  
Alessandra Simonelli ◽  
Cristina Tassorelli ◽  
Grazia Sances ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Road Map ◽  
The Impact

Background. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a type of chronic headache, whose mechanisms are still unknown. The impact of psychological factors has been matter of debate from different perspectives. The role of personality and personality pathology in processes involved in MOH development has been advanced but was poorly studied. The hypothesis of addiction-like behaviors sustaining the drug misuse has been examined and reached contrasting findings. Objectives. This study is aimed at detecting personality and its disorders (PDs) in MOH, with a specific attention to the addiction aspect. Methods. Eighty-eight MOH patients have been compared with two clinical populations including 99 patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and 91 with PDs using the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200), a clinician-report tool that assesses both normal and pathological personality. MANCOVAs were performed to evaluate personality differences among MOH, SUD, and PD groups, controlling for age and gender. Results. MOH patients were predominantly women and older. They showed lower traits of the SWAP-200’s cluster A and B disorders than SUD and PD patients, who presented more severe levels of personality impairment. No differences in the SWAP-200’s cluster C have been found, indicating common personality features in these populations. At levels of specific PDs, MOH patients showed higher obsessive and dysphoric traits and better overall psychological functioning than SUD and PD patients. Conclusion. Although MOH, SUD, and PD populations have been evaluated in multiple sites with different levels of expertise, the study supported the presence of a specific constellation of personality in MOH patients including obsessive (perfectionist) and dysphoric characteristics, as well as good enough psychological resources. No similarities to drug-addicted and personality-disordered patients were found. Practitioners’ careful understanding of the personality characteristics of MOH patients may be useful to provide a road map for the implementation of more effective treatment strategies and intervention programs.

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