It is a common belief that patients with MOH rarely respond of preventative medications whilst overusing acute medications. However, no randomized trial has been done previously to prove such statement. Based on some clinical experiences, our hypothesis are patients with probably MOH may benefit from use of preventive medications better than treatment with abrupt withdrawal or no specific treatment.
This randomized multi-centre study started January 2004, and patients with probably MOH have been included from five different University hospitals in Norway. The last patient was included November 9th 2006, final inclusion date was December 31th 2006. At this time a total of 64 patients with probable MOH according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (2004) were included. The included patients were randomized to one out of three possible options: 1. Abrupt withdrawal of the acute medication(s) they have been overusing. After 3 month: use of preventative medication (best choice)in those who need such treatment, 12 month follow-up. 2. Start with preventative medication (best choice) directly without abrupt withdrawal, 12 month follow-up. 3. No specific treatment (controls), 5 month follow-up.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
64
Several preventive drugs based on each individual regarding type of original headache type (i.e angiotensin II blockers, betablockers, valproate, tricyclic antidepressants or gabapentin)
Knut Hagen
Trondheim, Norway
Headache Days
Change in Headache days per month
Time frame: 5 month
Headache Index
Headache index (HI) per month calculated by the sum of products of headache days /month combined with mean daily hours with headache and mean daily headache severity on days with headache. High HI reflect high headache burden
Time frame: 5-month follow-up
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