For some people, getting rid of headaches is just a matter of popping a couple of pills. But UCSF neurologist, Dr. Morris Levin, said that can be problematic for people with chronic headaches or migraines.
"When those techniques are used too often - I'm specifically speaking about medications - they can actually worsen the headache problem," he told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed."
The issue is called medication overuse headache or analgesic rebound. "It's a big problem and it's something we try to fight," Levin said. "And as you can imagine, that's why we put so much emphasis on prevention."
Dr. Levin is director of the UCSF Headache Center, where they offer an alternative for people with persistent headaches.
"We're a little different in that we have an inpatient headache program where we use intravenous medications to try to break the cycle for patients that have ongoing headaches that just defy all of the treatments people have tried," he explained.
After an initial consultation, patients will stay in the hospital for four to five days, depending on the medication.
"Some really do feel better pretty quickly," said Levin. "Some feel better after a week or two weeks. We're seeing at least a 75% success rate in helping people break that headache cycle at some point either during or shortly thereafter."
Lifestyle changes may also help prevent headaches, he advised.
"For example, regular sleep and waking patterns, regular eating patterns, regular exercise - generally not intense exercise but moderate exercise done regularly," Levin suggested, adding that it is also a good idea to avoid alcohol, drugs and food additives.
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