THE NEED FOR VIGILANCE IN IDENTIFYING THOSE AT RISK FROM DRUG-INDUCEDHEADACHE

A case study is described to illustrate the need for vigilance in dete cting drug-induced headache. A woman (''Jane'') volunteered for a head ache research program, and assessment revealed a very high consumption of headache medication. Jane was taking an average of 21 tablets per day as well as receiving injections several times a week. The research staff directed her to record her medication, and to take these record s to her doctor for review. Two general practitioners and a psychiatri st responded that there was no need for intervention, but the research ers were sufficiently concerned that they encouraged her to find anoth er doctor. The fourth doctor admitted her to hospital immediately for detoxification with spectacularly beneficial results.