What defines Medication Overuse Syndrome with headaches?

Medication Overuse Syndrome, particularly concerning headaches, is defined by the regular and excessive use of abortive medications that can paradoxically lead to more frequent and severe headaches. The correct definition—using a single abortive drug 10 times per month—captures the essence of how overuse affects headache patterns.

Frequent use of a specific abortive medication (such as triptans, NSAIDs, or analgesics) can lead to a situation where the body's response to the medication diminishes over time. Instead of adequately relieving headaches, overuse can initiate a cycle of increased headache frequency and intensity, as the medication's efficacy decreases. This often leads patients into a vicious cycle where they feel compelled to use abortive medication more often, exacerbating their headache condition.

Other options do not accurately reflect the criteria for Medication Overuse Syndrome. For instance, the definition concerning the use of any medication for headaches more than 5 times a month does not pinpoint the specific aspect of using a single type of abortive medication as a key factor. Similarly, taking medication only on weekends implies a more irregular and controlled use, which wouldn't typically lead to overuse syndrome. Infrequent use of headache medication does not align with the concept of overuse; rather, it