Medication overuse in patients with headache during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Medication overuse in patients with headache is the most important risk factor for secondary headache. According to ICHD criteria, the use of analgesics or triptans for more than 10 days / month and combined analgesics > 15 days / month, for more than 3 months is considered medication overuse. The aim of the study was to analyze the use of analgesics in patients with headache in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to establish the presence of medication overuse. Material and methods: An online survey, launched through social media channels, was completed by the patients with headache and COVID-19 disease. Validated questionnaire gathered data on: demographics, COVID infection, the characteristics of headache before, during and after COVID-19 infection, abortive headache medication, behavior, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Results: The study included 131 participants: 14 men (10.6%) and 117 women (89.31%), mean age – 37 ± 8.16 years. Before COVID-19 infection participants used analgesic drugs 3.67 ± 2.96 days / month, during the COVID-19 infection month – 10.44 ± 8.81 days / month, and in the post-COVID period – 12.27 ± 9.73 days / month. From the study group 9.1% of patients had medication overuse before COVID-19, during the Covid-19 period – 43% and after the COVID-19 – 33%. Conclusions: The study proved increased analgesics consumption during and after the COVID-19 infection, possibly due to the association of a secondary headache, namely headache attributed to infection. Other factors will be elucidated in further research.