[Medication overuse headache]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2006 Mar 6;168(10):1015-9.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Frequent use of symptomatic headache drugs may induce medication overuse headache. In primary care settings, medication overuse headache is the third common diagnosis of headache, next to migraine and tension-type headache. The pathophysiologic mechanisms are unknown. It is a severely disabling condition that has a huge economic impact on society. Treatment includes complete drug withdrawal, and the prognosis is good. Preventive measures and providing information to the patients are very important.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Combinations
  • Headache Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Headache Disorders / diagnosis
  • Headache Disorders / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Self Medication
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Drug Combinations
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents