Clinical Definition

Rebound headaches are the escalation of headache pain after the discontinuation of analgesics. Rebound headaches often occur frequently, even daily. The exact physiology of what causes rebound headaches is not completely understood. It is theorized that headache medication may alter or interfere with a particular individual’s brain chemistry and affect how pain pathways work in his or her nervous system.

In Our Own Words

Rebound headaches are frequent headaches that occur due to overuse of pain medication used to treat prior headaches. If the medication (e.g., over-the-counter temporary pain relievers) is taken too often or in excess, rebound headaches may occur when usage ends. The theory is taking pain relievers too frequently may rewire the pain pathways in the brain, causing chronic headaches.