Factors Associated with the Development of Medication Overuse Headache: A Literature Review
https://doi.org/10.52420/umj.24.6.63
EDN: PCFKXR
Abstract
Introduction. In most countries, the prevalence of medication overuse headache (MOH) is 1–2 %, but in Russia, its prevalence is significantly higher — 7.6 %. MOH causes social maladaptation of patients, reduces the quality of life and increases the economic burden of healthcare due to frequent visits and the cost of diagnosis and treatment. It is necessary to analyse the factors associated with the development of MOH to prevent its development.
Objective is to provide up-to-date data on the factors associated with the development of MOH based on a literature review.
Materials and methods. The information was searched in the following databases: CyberLeninka, eLibrary.ru, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (in Russian and English). Keywords used: medication overuse headache; medication overuse; MOH risk factors. The evaluation of publications was carried out for the period from 2006 to 2025.
Results and discussion. At the time of publication, the factors known to be associated with the development of MOH included: female gender; age 30–50 years; absence of high education and low socio-economic status; marital status «divorced»; the presence of migraine; the previous headache frequency 7–14 days per month; skin allodynia; family history of MOH and (or) substance use disorder; the presence of pain of other localization; metabolic syndrome; low level of physical activity; intestinal dysbiosis; the presence of dependence; anxiety, depression or other psychiatric diseases; cognitive impairments.
Conclusion. In the prevention of medication-overuse headache, it is necessary to consider factors associated with its development, as described in this review.
About the Authors
I. A. Kniazeva
Ural State Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Iana A. Kniazeva – Postgraduate Student of the Department of Hospital Therapy, Institute of Clinical
Medicine
Ekaterinburg
Competing Interests:
The authors declare the absence of obvious or potential conflict of interest.
E. R. Lebedeva
Ural State Medical University; International Headache Centre “Europe-Asia"
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Elena R. Lebedeva – Doctor of Sciences (Medicine), Professor of the Department of Hospital Therapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Head, Consultant Neurologist
Ekaterinburg
Competing Interests:
The authors declare the absence of obvious or potential conflict of interest.
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Kniazeva IA, Lebedeva ER. Factors Associated with the Development of Medication Overuse Headache: A Literature Review. Ural Medical Journal. 2025;24(6):63–81. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.52420/umj.24.6.63. EDN: PCFKXR
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