A Dalian man suffered migraines for 50 years, escalating painkiller use until developing medication-overuse headache. Emergency treatment broke the cycle, restoring normal function.

Social Context

Medication-overuse headache is recognized under China’s National Clinical Guidelines for Neurology, with rising incidence tied to self-medication culture. Dalian’s 2023 pilot program introduced pharmacy-level screening for chronic analgesic users—requiring referrals to neurologists after 15 monthly doses.

Safety Tip

Limit acute migraine medications to ≤10 days/month; consult a neurologist if headaches increase in frequency or require escalating doses.