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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

Acupuncture: An Alternative Therapy for Headache Relief

Acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It's gaining popularity as a treatment for chronic headaches among veterans.How Acupuncture WorksThe therapy is based on the concept of balancing the body's energy flow (Qi). From a biomedical perspective, it may stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, boosting the body's natural painkillers.Effectiveness for HeadachesResearch indicates that acupuncture can:Reduce the frequency of migraines and tension-type headachesDecrease the intensity of headache painImprove quality of lifeThe Treatment ProcessConsultation: Assessment of medical history and symptoms.Session Preparation: Patient lies comfortably while specific points are identified.Needle Insertion: Thin, sterile needles are inserted painlessly.Relaxation Period: Needles remain in place for 15-30 minutes.Accessing Acupuncture Through the VAThe VA offers acupuncture services as part of its integrative health programs. Veterans should consult their primary care providers for referrals.ConclusionAcupuncture presents a viable alternative for veterans seeking non-pharmacological headache treatments.