Headache Center of Excellence
Providing veterans with the highest-quality headache care that resonates with their values and preferences and aligns with the best available evidence.
Featured Articles
September 29th, 2025
Medication Overuse Headaches: What You Need to Know
While medications can relieve headache symptoms, overusing them may lead to medication overuse headaches (MOH), also known as rebound headaches. Veterans relying heavily on pain relievers should be aware of this risk.Understanding Medication Overuse HeadachesMOH occur when pain relief medications are taken too frequently, causing a cycle of chronic headaches.Medications Commonly InvolvedAnalgesics: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirinCombination Pain Relievers: Those containing caffeine, codeine, or barbituratesTriptans: Medications specifically for migrainesSymptoms of MOHIndicators include:Daily or near-daily headachesWorsening headache symptoms despite medicationHeadache upon wakingPrevention StrategiesTo avoid MOH:Limit use of acute headache medications to no more than two days per weekFollow prescribed dosagesConsult a healthcare provider for preventive treatmentsTreatment of MOHApproaches include:Medication Withdrawal: Gradually reducing or stopping overused medicationsPreventive Medications: Drugs to reduce headache frequencyBehavioral Therapies: Stress management and cognitive-behavioral therapyConclusionAvoiding medication overuse is essential for effective headache management. Veterans should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a safe treatment plan.
September 29th, 2025
The Impact of Physical Activity on Headaches
How regular exercise can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.