Nearly 60 per cent of people with migraine are currently overusing pain relief medication, according to a new survey by Migraine Action in partnership with anti-migraine device Cefaly.

The survey of 1,300 people with migraine found that 58 per cent overuse over-the-counter and prescription pain relief medication, putting them at risk of medication addiction and medication overuse syndrome (MOS), where their headaches are actually caused or made worse by the medication rather than the original condition. Nearly one in five (18 per cent) of those surveyed has already been formally diagnosed with the syndrome.

Simon Evans, CEO of Migraine Action commented: “This survey highlights the overwhelming need for a serious awareness and prevention strategy and for all healthcare professionals involved with migraine to begin taking medication overuse seriously.’