Clinical Patterns and Medication Overuse in Patients With Migraine: A Multivariate Analysis in a University Extension Project

Abstract

There are over 150 types of headaches, and according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), these can be divided into primary or secondary. Migraine is a primary headache and is the most frequent neurological problem in primary healthcare, ranking second among the causes of disability worldwide. Chronic migraine affects about 2% of the world's population. Medication overuse headache (MOH) is defined as a secondary headache that develops from the use of medication for at least 10 days per month for more than 3 months, or 15 days per month for more than 3 months, depending on the class. This study aimed to investigate medication overuse and its clinical repercussions and humanistic burden in migraine patients enrolled in the Migraine-Free Project (PLE) at the State University of Bahia (UNEB). This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 121 participants, of whom 66 presented with chronic migraine. The data were extracted from the project's screening forms. Statistical analysis was conducted using Minitab software, including descriptions, correlations, and multivariate analysis. A high frequency of medication overuse was observed among individuals with chronic migraine, as well as greater interference and persistence of pain in this subgroup. It is concluded that medication overuse is common in this population and is associated with worse functional impact, highlighting the need for interventions focused on health education and the rational use of medications.