Rebound Headache - Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment

How is a rebound headache diagnosed?

Diagnosis of rebound headaches typically involves:

A detailed medical history and review of headache patterns and medication use
Physical examination and neurological assessment to rule out other causes of headaches
Keeping a headache diary to track the frequency, duration, and triggers of headaches
In some cases, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to exclude other underlying conditions

Treatment for rebound headaches focuses on breaking the cycle of medication overuse and managing symptoms:

Medication withdrawal, which involves gradually reducing or stopping the overused medication under medical supervision and may also involve switching to alternative medications. This may lead to a temporary increase in headaches before improvement occurs.
Managing underlying headaches. Once the medication overuse is addressed, your doctor can help manage any underlying headache conditions you might have, such as migraines or tension headaches. This might involve preventive medications, lifestyle changes, or relaxation techniques.
Alternative medications such as preventive medications may be used to manage headache symptoms and reduce the frequency of headaches.
Non-pharmacological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy can help manage headaches and reduce reliance on medications.
Lifestyle modifications can support overall well-being and headache prevention.