Awareness of medication-overuse headache in Hail, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Medication-overuse headache is a common neurological disorder that results in enormous disability and suffering, typically caused by the overuse of certain medications to relieve primary headaches. It plays a significant role in the transformation of acute headache disorders to chronic headache disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the level of awareness of medication-overuse headache among residents in Hail, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 participants in Hail, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the level of awareness of medication-overuse headache. An online survey was distributed to participants to participate in the study. Informed consent was obtained from the participants before participating in the study.

RESULTS

Among 380 participants, about 70% had good awareness of medication-overuse headache. In addition, 30% reported primary headaches, 48% migraine, and 40% tension type. Nearly half experienced headaches fewer than 4 days per month, while about 40% experienced headaches for 15 to 30 days per month. Paracetamol was used by 79%, while 17% used preventive medications.

CONCLUSION

Despite high awareness about medication-overuse headache, it remains a significant issue due to frequent use of acute pain medications and limited use of preventive treatments. Health campaigns are vital to further improve awareness, reinforce safe medication practices, and promote preventive measures to reduce the prevalence and impact of medication-overuse headache.