Should we educate about the risks of medication overuse headache?

James Tf Lai,Ravi P Ganepola,John Dc Dereix,Kiera A Markey,Paul N Aveyard,Peter G Nightingale,Alexandra J Sinclair

doi:10.1186/1129-2377-15-10

Abstract

BackgroundMedication-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.Findings485 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.ConclusionsThis 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.

Highlights

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is caused by the regular use of medications to treat headache
This study highlights the lack of awareness of MOH
Recognition of MOH is key to improving headache disability and responsiveness to headache prophylactic drugs [9]

Summary

Introduction

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is caused by the regular use of medications to treat headache. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a form of chronic daily headache. Its diagnosis is based on the patients history of headache present on 15 or more days per month with use of regular acute and/or symptomatic headache treatment for at least 3 months [1,2]. The definition of overuse varies depending on the medication involved and is defined in terms of both duration of use and the number of treatment days per month [1]. MOH can be a chronically disabling condition and may have a greater impact on daily function than episodic migraine [3]. Recognition of MOH is key to improving headache disability and responsiveness to headache prophylactic drugs [9]. Hagen et al identified risk factors for MOH in which a headache

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