Overview
This headache can happen when you frequently take pain relievers for your headaches. With regular use of painkillers, you can increase the number of headaches days and also reduce the efficacy of treatment prescribed. It is believed that regular overuse of painkillers results in an increase in the brain’s sensitivity to pain and tendency to develop headaches. Therefore when trying to relieve pain, patients actually end up making them worse. We consider ‘overuse’ as regularly taking painkillers on more than 10 days. A month. These include, triptans, and other over the counter painkillers.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
There is normally a pattern of increasing frequency of headaches with increased use of painkillers. It seems the frequency of use rather than total dosage of acute-relief medication is most strongly associated with the development of daily headache. A clear headache diary in particular noting the average headache score as well as when painkillers are used can be beneficial in the diagnosis and management.
Treatments & Key Areas We Specialise In
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