CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Pain-relieving or anti-migraine drugs can stop a headache attack in its tracks. But if a patient with a headache disorder takes these medications frequently, they might be at risk of triggering a vicious cycle of medication overuse headaches.
Medication overuse headaches, often called rebound headaches, can be debilitating. Fewer headache days means more opportunities for patients to do the things they love to do, and Utah Headache & Migraine helps patients successfully navigate the rebound headache cycle to relieve their pain and move forward with confidence.
“Rebound headaches are a common occurrence among migraine patients and something I see frequently,” said headache specialist Katrina Poulsen, FNP-C. “Between 60% and 80% of the people that come in our clinic experience some degree of rebound headaches.”
Rebound headaches are linked to overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil, Tylenol and Excedrin as well as some prescription drugs intended to treat headache disorders, including triptans and Fioricet. Researchers are still learning about the exact causes, but the most widely accepted theory is that certain medications can actually make the central nervous system more sensitive to pain with extended use, a process known as central sensitization.
However, the rebound headache cycle is unique to patients suffering from migraine and other headache disorders. People without a history of headaches who take pain relievers regularly for another condition, such as arthritis, aren’t afflicted by rebound headaches.
Taking more than 10 to 15 doses of certain pain relievers within 30 days may set off a rebound headache cycle, Poulsen said. The rebound headache cycle begins when the patient starts experiencing symptoms of their headache disorder and takes a dose of their preferred medication to combat them.
While the symptoms might improve temporarily, their headache will likely return within 12 hours, forcing them to take additional doses again and again. This pattern can continue for weeks or months as the medication intended to alleviate the pain eventually becomes its trigger.
“I’ve had some patients who experienced chronic tension headaches for years,” she added. “All I did was tell them to stop taking Tylenol three times a day, and their headaches were gone.”
Indeed, the most effective solution for rebound headaches is the removal of the offending medication. Poulsen works with patients to identify their triggers and come up with a plan to end their rebound headache cycle. Some medications require tapering, while others can be stopped “cold turkey.”
Next, the patient will need an updated treatment regimen with medications that more appropriately address their headache disorder. Utah Headache & Migraine provides patients with written information on the various drugs available to them, highlighting which medications carry a risk of causing rebound headaches and how many doses they should take within a month. Recommendations are based on the latest data from the American Migraine Foundation.
Although chronic headaches and migraines are fairly common, the nuances of creating an effective prevention plan require a specialized environment that respects the uniqueness of each patient to ultimately reduce their burden of pain. As the human body can experience over 150 different types of headaches, visiting a qualified specialist is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
“Patients deserve to have a dedicated clinic, and that’s what sets us apart,” Poulsen said. “We have a lot of new treatments that weren’t around even a decade ago. We can reach a lot of people who are suffering.”
Utah Headache & Migraine is Southern Utah’s only medical clinic focused exclusively on helping patients of all ages manage these complex and often debilitating neurological conditions. Poulsen and her team recognize that one size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to headache disorders. Therefore, the clinic offers a variety of treatment options. Along with medications, patients may be able to add Botox injections, trigger point injections, lidocaine infusions, nerve blocks and medical cannabis to their toolbox.
The specialists at Utah Headache & Migraine are ready to listen and evaluate every patient on an individual basis, striving to help them get the most out of life. The clinic prioritizes accessibility to care and accepts all major insurances, including Medicare, along with offering a cash-pay system for uninsured patients. Referrals aren’t required, and telehealth appointments are also available.
Call 435-274-2980 or visit UtahHeadacheandMigraine.com to schedule a consultation.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Utah Headache & Migraine | Address: 2107 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 102, St. George | Telephone: 435-274-2980 | Website.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.