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Headache Disorders in the Elderly.

Thomas N. Ward1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Medical School, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. thomas.n.ward@dartmouth.edu

Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|August 7, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Headaches are common in older adults, with secondary causes increasing. Careful diagnosis and tailored treatments, including non-drug options, are crucial for managing geriatric headaches effectively.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Headache remains a frequent medical concern in the elderly, despite declining prevalence.
  • While primary headaches persist, secondary headache etiologies become more prevalent in this demographic.
  • Co-existing medical conditions in the elderly impact headache treatment choices and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the unique considerations for diagnosing and managing headaches in the elderly population.
  • To highlight the increased likelihood of secondary headaches and the need for thorough evaluation.
  • To discuss pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment strategies adapted for geriatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on geriatric headache management.
  • Analysis of age-related changes in headache presentation and pathophysiology.
  • Examination of treatment challenges, including comorbidities and altered pharmacokinetics.

Main Results:

  • Secondary headaches are more common in the elderly, necessitating a lower threshold for diagnostic testing.
  • Altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics increase risks of side effects and drug interactions.
  • Non-pharmacologic therapies and simplified medication regimens are often preferred.
  • Medication-induced and analgesic rebound headaches are frequent contributors to chronic daily headache.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis is paramount in elderly patients with headaches.
  • Treatment requires careful consideration of comorbidities, altered drug metabolism, and potential interactions.
  • Non-pharmacologic approaches and preventative strategies are vital for managing frequent or severe headaches in this population.
  • Identifying medication-induced and rebound headaches is key for effective intervention.