What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache due to Long-Term Use of Non-Headache Medication

What is Headache Attributed to Long-Term Use of Non-Headache Medication? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Long-Term Use of Non-Headache Medication is described as a form of headache that develops secondary to the long-term use of any medication taken for non-headache ailments
• As the title describes, the headache develops in individuals using medications for a non-headache condition. In such individuals, when the medication is altered in dosage (either by increasing/decreasing the dose, or by altering the frequency of medication intake), the individual develops headache
• This is often considered and recognized as a side effect of the medication. Such an occurrence of the headache is usually not related to the underlying condition for which the medication was prescribed
• The type of headache noted in the condition may be moderately intense to severe, widespread, dull and continuous in presentation, depending on the type and dosage of medicine used
• Any medication used in the long-term treatment of various conditions/diseases, except headaches, are implicated in Headache Attributed to Long-Term Use of Non-Headache Medication
• Some of the medications causing the condition may include amiodarone, anabolic steroids, hormone replacement therapy medicines (exogenous hormones), lithium carbonate, thyroid hormone replacement therapy medicines, and tetracycline, among others

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Long-Term Use of Non-Headache Medication as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Long-term use of a medication has occurred for purposes other than the treatment of headache
• Headache present on 15 or more days/month and fulfilling all the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in temporal relation to the commencement of medication intake
• Headache has resolved within 72 hours after intake has ceased
• One or more of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened after an increase in dosage of the medication
  • Headache has significantly improved or resolved after a reduction in dosage of the medication
  • Headache has resolved after cessation of the medication
• The medication is recognized to cause headache, in at least some people, during long-term use

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)