Common Headache Causes in the Elderly

Headaches are a common complaint among people of all ages, but they can be especially concerning for seniors. While headaches often become less frequent with age, older adults may experience headaches triggered by unique factors compared to younger individuals. For families caring for elderly loved ones, understanding these causes is key to providing relief.

Home care services can play an essential role in managing headaches by addressing common triggers like poor sleep, dehydration, and stress, while ensuring seniors receive the support they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s explore the top causes of headaches in the elderly and offer practical tips for prevention and treatment along with home care services.

 

Top Causes of Headaches in the Elderly

The good news for most elderly people is that headaches do seem to decrease with age, and some causes of headaches (such as migraines) do not start up often in older age, so if your loved one never had a migraine, she probably would not begin to develop them. That said, seniors might develop headaches for reasons other than those of younger people.

The two most common categories of headaches for seniors are primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are brought on by a trigger, not a health condition, whereas secondary headaches can be linked to another medical condition.

 

Primary Headache Causes

• Poor sleep
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Reactions to food or drink
• Allergies
• Reaction to strong odors like perfumes or smoke
• Loud noises

 

Secondary Headaches Causes

• Head injury
• Stroke
• Ear or sinus infection
• High blood pressure
• Brain tumor

 

Headache Treatments for Primary Headaches

With headaches that are brought on by secondary causes, those health conditions need to have a health plan of their own, and often, the headaches that accompany that condition will be part of the treatment.

If your loved one suffers from primary headaches regularly, making changes in her environment is often the best action you or her home care provider can take to help provide relief.

Here are home care tips for reducing the risk of each primary headache cause:

 

Poor Sleep

Poor sleep can refer to not having enough sleep or not receiving restorative sleep. If it’s simply one bad night of sleep, then catching up on sleep should help. If your loved one struggles with sleep consistently, help her develop a good sleep routine for better sleep.

 

Dehydration

Not enough water can lead to a headache so proactively making sure your loved one is drinking enough water each day is key. Have her home care provider help by filling up a water bottle that needs to be finished each day to help your loved one stay on top of her hydration needs.

 

Stress

Stress is everywhere. Helping your loved one manage the stress in her life will help reduce her risk of developing a headache. You can reduce stress by providing help where she needs it, such as through a home care service that helps her manage daily chores, or you can encourage her to incorporate some stress-relieving exercises into her day, like yoga and meditation.

 

Food and Drink Reactions

Have your loved one keep a journal of her headaches along with what she’s eating and drinking during the day to see if any foods or drinks seem to be linked to her headaches.

 

Allergies

Dust, pollen, and mold allergies can all lead to headaches. It can be helpful for your loved one to meet with an allergist to see if she has any allergens that you can take steps to remove from the home.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Herndon, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113