Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a headache which occurs by taking too much painkillers for a long period of time. These painkillers are often taken for previously existing headaches. The condition is chronic and often lasts more than three days a week. Medication overuse headache falls under the heading of ‘headache’.

Cause

Cause

Medication overuse headache is caused by the daily intake of painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.) for headache. When these painkillers are taken for other reasons, this condition doesn’t occur. Often, the painkillers are already taken before the headache begins and possibly even out of habit. The danger exists that more and more painkillers will be taken. The pain arises, as it were, on top of the headache that was already there. Then, even more painkillers are needed to alleviate the pain, as the patient is already accustomed to taking a lot of painkillers.
Apart from painkillers, also caffeine plays a role. Caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in tea, ice-tea and chocolate.

Symptoms

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of medication overuse headache are:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to make the diagnosis of medication overuse headache. The symptoms are often already sufficiently clear. A headache diary can sometimes help. When a person comes up with medication overuse headache, neurological examination is always done to exclude other causes. In addition to neurological examination, the movements of the neck are examined for limitations and soreness. In the neck is felt which vertebrae are painful when pressed. If required, an X-ray of the neck is made in order to exclude other causes.

Treatment

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the pain, it’s decided whether or not physical treatment is started by the pain specialist. On the basis of the results of the pain questionnaires, filled out by the patient, the following treatments can be proposed:

Prognosis

Prognosis

The headache which was caused by the excessive use of painkillers, will eventually stay away. However, the original ‘own headache’ may come back again. That is reason to discuss the headaches with the general practitioner again, in order to discover what kind of headache it is (migraine, tension headache, etc.) and what treatment is right.

Considerations

Considerations

Facts

Facts