Document of revision and updating of medication overuse headache (MOH) Documento de revisión y actualización de la cefalea por uso excesivo de medicación (CUEM)

Carmen González-Oria, Roberto Belvís, María Luz Cuadrado, Samuel Díaz-Insa, Ángel Luis Guerrero-Peral, Mariano Huerta Villanueva, Pablo Irimia, Jose Miguel Lainez Andres, Germán Latorre, Rogelio Leira, Agustín Oterino, Julio Pascual Gómez, Jesús Porta-Etessam, Patricia Pozo-Rosich, Margarita Sánchez del Río, Sonia Santos Lasaosa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Medication overuse headache is a secondary headache in which the regular or frequent use of analgesics can increase the frequency of the episodes, causing the transition from episodic to chronic headache. The prevalence of medication overuse headache is approximately 1-2%, with higher rates among women aged 30-50 years and with comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety, or other chronic pain disorders. It is important to be familiar with the management of this disease. To this end, the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group has prepared a consensus document addressing this disorder. Development: These guidelines were prepared by a group of neurologists specialising in headache after a systematic literature review and provides consensus recommendations on the proper management and treatment of medication overuse headache. The treatment of medication overuse headache is often complex, and is based on 4 fundamental pillars: education and information about the condition, preventive treatment, discontinuation of the drug being overused, and treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Follow-up of patients at risk of recurrence is important. Conclusions: We hope that this document will be useful in daily clinical practice and that it will update and improve understanding of medication overuse headache management.
Original languageSpanish
Pages (from-to)229-240
Number of pages12
JournalNeurologia
Volume36
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Medication overuse headache
  • Detoxification
  • Preventive treatment
  • Triptans
  • Ergot derivatives
  • Opioids

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