Background

Chronic migraine and medication overuse headache (MOH) remain formidable challenges in clinical practice, affecting millions worldwide and placing a significant burden on individuals and society. MOH, arguably the most prevalent secondary headache disorder, commonly emerges in those already suffering from migraine or chronic tension-type headache. Historically, treatment of patients with chronic migraine and MOH has centered around the abrupt discontinuation of overused medications and subsequent preventive management—a process fraught with adherence issues and variable outcomes. Recently, emerging therapies such as anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies have shown promise in reshaping treatment paradigms, offering hope for more effective and sustainable headache management. As developments accelerate in this field, it is vital to build a comprehensive, up-to-date body of knowledge to guide clinicians and inform research.

Goals

This Research Topic aims to address key challenges in the identification, management, and treatment of chronic migraine—with and without associated medication overuse headache—and to highlight advances in therapies, particularly anti-CGRP treatments. We seek articles that explore the clinical and neurobiological mechanisms underlying MOH; strategies for prevention, withdrawal, and relapse reduction; as well as barriers to successful intervention in chronic migraineurs who do or do not present with medication overuse. Furthermore, we encourage exploration of recent and emerging therapies, including real-world efficacy, safety, patient experience, and healthcare impact of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies and other innovative treatments. Manuscripts that increase understanding of MOH epidemiology, pathophysiology, genetic or biochemical biomarkers, and societal burden are particularly welcome. By bringing together cutting-edge research and expert perspectives, we aim to foster advances in patient care and stimulate further investigation at the intersection of chronic migraine, MOH, and evolving therapeutic options.

Scope and Information for Authors

We welcome submissions of:

Original Research

Review Articles

Clinical Trials

Case Reports

Opinions & Perspectives

Short Communications

Potential themes and topics include, but are not limited to:

Clinical characterization and diagnosis of chronic migraine and MOH

Epidemiology, public health, and socio-economic burden of MOH

Mechanisms of medication overuse: neurobiological and behavioral perspectives

Novel and emerging therapies (anti-CGRP agents, neuromodulation, etc.)

Challenges in withdrawal, relapse prevention, and treatment adherence

Biomarkers and predictors of MOH susceptibility or chronic migraine course

Tension-type headache and its overlap with MOH

Patient experience, quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization

Policy, guidelines, and health system approaches to headache management

Submissions should align with the section’s focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of headache disorders. We especially encourage interdisciplinary approaches and work that bridges clinical care and underlying mechanisms.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Chronic Migraine, Medication Overuse Headache, Traditional Approaches and Emerging Therapies