Over 2,800 in Offaly suffer from medication overuse headaches

Over 90,000 people in Leinster, including over 2,800 in Offaly, could be suffering in silence due to a condition known as Medication Overuse Headache (MOH). MOH, which affects between one and four per cent of the population, is caused by the overuse of over-the-counter or prescribed medications to treat headache or migraine. This condition is the theme for this year"s European Migraine Day of Action, which will be launched in Ireland for the very first time on September 12. Launching the day at Dublin"s Trinity College will be Minister for Health, Mary Harney - whose department in sponsoring the event. Her colleague, Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche will be present as chair. 'This is the first time this important event has been launched in Ireland,' said Audrey Craven, President of the European Headache Alliance. 'Most people are unaware that by taking more frequent and larger doses of analgesics, they actually worsen their situation and the result can be Medication Overuse Headache. This year"s theme "When the Cure becomes the Cause" will form the basis of publications and events throughout Europe and captures the message we want to get across.' The event also coincides with the Migraine Association of Ireland"s, Migraine Action Week, which takes place from September 8 to 14. For further information on the week, its programme of activities or about migraine in general, please visit www.migraine.ie or contact the Migraine Helpline at 1850 200 378