Headache and Pain Research

Review Article

Treatment Strategies of Medication Overuse Headache: Mi-Kyoung Kang, Jong-Hee Sohn; Korean J Headache. 2023;24(2):33-38. Published online December 31, 2023

Abstract PDF: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a common secondary headache disorder in which chronic headaches develop or worsen due to frequent and excessive intake of medications used for acute headache treatment. While the concept of MOH is widely recognized among headache specialists, ongoing debates exist regarding its causes, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. Treating MOH has traditionally been challenging, and there is currently no universal consensus on how to effectively manage patients with MOH. Furthermore, a specific treatment approach based on well-powered randomized trials is still lacking. The treatment strategy for MOH typically involves several steps: patient education and counseling, withdrawal of overused medications, preventive drug therapy, and non-pharmacological prevention. It is recommended that all patients discontinue the overused medication, which can be carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Additionally, topiramate, Botox, and anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies have shown potential in reducing headache and migraine frequency, as well as acute drug consumption, even without active drug withdrawal. However, many aspects of MOH management require further investigation through properly designed and adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

Original Article

A Survey on Headache Education Curriculum in College of Dentistry: Jin Kyu Kang, Ji-Won Ryu, Seong-Taek Kim; Korean J Headache. 2023;24(2):66-69. Published online December 31, 2023

Abstract PDF: Background
Headache is a common pain condition encountered in clinical practice. Many patients visit a doctor or dentist complaining of headaches accompanied by toothaches or facial pain. However, it has been reported that education on headaches is insufficient in medical schools, which is believed to be a more serious problem in dental schools.
Methods
We surveyed the current status of headache education curriculum in 11 dental schools in Korea.
Results
In most dental schools, headache education was provided as part of orofacial pain course within the oral medicine program. Only two universities covered headache as an in-depth postgraduate course. Lectures were delivered by oral medicine faculty, and only one university included a neurologist as part of the team teaching. Dental textbooks still described headaches based on the 2^nd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
Conclusion
Currently, headache education in dental schools in Korea is inadequate and outdated. Considering the specificity of dentists who are in charge of pain in oral and facial region, continuous discussions and mutual cooperation with the neurology department are necessary to ensure sufficient education related to headaches during the undergraduate course.

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