Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>Medication overuse headache (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content>) affects between 1% and 2% of the general population but is present in up to 50% of patients seen in headache centers. There are currently no internationally accepted guidelines for treatment of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content>.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>A review of the current literature on MOH treatment and pathophysiology.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>We conclude that headache frequency can be reduced to episodic headache in more than 50% of the patients by simple detoxification and information. Approximately half the patients will not have need for prophylactic medication after withdrawal. Pain perception is altered in patients with <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content> but can be restored to a baseline pattern, indicating a reversible mechanism in the central sensitization leading to chronic pain. The great comorbidity with depression and anxiety could be a consequence of the altered serotonin metabolism indicating a reversible and potentially treatable condition.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Increased focus on <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content> is extremely important, as <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content> both can and should be treated and prevented. <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content> is thus a diagnosis that should be considered in all chronic headache patients as the very first step in their management strategy. In the general population, prevention campaigns against <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MOH</jats:styled-content> are essential to minimize chronic pain disability.</jats:p></jats:sec>