10 May 2019 Author : Raquel Gil-Gouveia Rebound headaches occur: On 15 or more days a month, consecutive or not For more than three months. Rebound headaches are the third most common, after migraines and tension headaches. They can occur at any age, but are most common between the ages of 30 and 40 . Causes This type of headache is caused by very frequent or prolonged use of pain medications. They develop as a result of treatment of tension or migraine headaches. All pain medications can cause rebound headaches: Paracetamol Aspirin Ibuprofen Codeine Ergotamine. Although we know that rebound headaches are due to over-frequent or prolonged use of medications, the way they develop is not fully understood and may vary with the medicine that caused them. In general, people with rebound headaches have increasingly frequent attacks and this means that they also take medications more often. These headaches are probably caused by the system’s habituation to the drug , as it is taken so often and its effect is gradually reduced. This results in a vicious circle in which taking pain medication generates more pain. Symptoms Rebound headaches become more and more frequent. They are usually described as a clamp round the head. They can also be a constant pain. They tend to be more severe: In the morning After exercise. Diagnosis Diagnosis of rebound headache is based on: A detailed description of the symptoms and how they develop An absence of alterations in some diagnostic tests Awareness of frequent use of medications that can cause this type of headache. As a rule, a diagnosis of rebound headache should be considered if we know that the patient is taking: Medications containing codeine for 10 or more days per month Other painkillers for 15 or more days per month However, it can also develop in people with a less frequent intake. Treatment The treatment of rebound headaches involves immediate or progressive suspension of the medication causing it. In some cases, this suspension may cause: An initial worsening and increase in the frequency of headaches Nausea Anxiety Difficulty sleeping for a few days However, it is the only way to solve the problem gradually over a period that can vary from seven to 10 days to a few weeks. The frequency of headaches or migraines decreases until they return to the usual pattern. Rebound headaches must be treated under medical supervision. The physician will: Determine the best way to suspend the medication that caused the problem Possibly prescribe new medications. Meet the neurology team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
