Migraines are neurological conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Managing migraines can be especially challenging due to medical sensitivities and underlying health conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about migraines in seniors, their causes, symptoms, and how to manage them:
How are Migraines in Seniors Different?
The intensity of a migraine varies from moderate to intense head pain. Some migraines last a couple of hours, while others take several hours to subside. While both young adults and seniors face migraines, the symptoms and after-effects of a migraine in the latter can be different.
Younger people are more likely to experience migraine with flashing lights and other visual disturbances. Whereas, seniors are prone to silent migraines, where such symptoms don’t occur. An older adult might exhibit stroke-like symptoms during a migraine, making diagnosis tricky.
Causes of Migraines in Older Adults
Seniors suffer from migraines for a number of reasons, including:
Old Age
As we age, the brain becomes less flexible at managing pain symptoms, leading to a migraine. The structural and functional changes in your brain can also impact blood flow.
Cardiovascular Reasons
Cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, can contribute to migraines. Arterial stiffness can make you more prone to migraines.
Medicinal Side Effects
Older adults are often bound to take multiple medicines to manage health conditions. Certain medications, such as vasodilators and calcium channel blockers, may trigger or exacerbate migraines.
Lifestyle Changes
If you’ve made significant lifestyle changes in previous months or weeks, such as changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, and physical activity levels, you can be prone to migraines.
Stress and Emotional Distress
The idea of retiring and being dependent on someone else can be emotionally distressing. Increased stress levels and anxiety can increase the chances of intense headaches.
Symptoms of Migraine
The symptoms of migraine in seniors include:
- Throbbing headaches lasting for hours to days. The headache might also increase when you’re doing certain activities, such as walking or bending down.
- Pain in one side of the head.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Vision issues, such as distortion, flashing, and excessive brightness.
- Overstimulation to light and smell.
You should seek immediate medical care if the migraine is accompanied by:
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty speaking
- Weakness
Tips to Prevent and Manage Geriatric Migraines
There are many ways to manage and prevent migraines in seniors. Effective methods include:
Identify Migraine Triggers
Older adults are often sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and strong odors. Certain processed meat, Alcohol, and caffeine can also trigger migraines. If you’re experiencing frequent migraines, track their patterns and avoid common triggers.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
A stable routine can help regulate your body’s internal clock. Stick to regular sleep and wake times, eat a balanced diet, and do exercise.
Consider Relaxation Techniques
Meditation, gentle breathing, and yoga can help you manage stress, one of the leading causes of migraines in older adults. If you’re living at a retirement residence, join support groups and take part in community events to stay active.
Seek Medical Help
As mentioned earlier, migraines can occur as a side-effect of certain medications. Reach out to your healthcare provider to adjust doses or find alternatives if needed.
