Neurológia pre prax 2/2011

Headaches in seniors

Some types of primary headaches in the elderly age occur less often (migraine, cluster headache), others are typical for this period (hypnic headache). The occurence of secondary headaches increases. Red flags help in differential diagnostic of serious secondary headaches. The most important kinds of primary and secondary headaches in senior age are described in the text. Lower doses of medication are used more frequently. Some drugs (triptans, amitriptylin) are inappropriate in elderly age. It is necessary to pay attention to the combinations of drugs with regard to the occurence of sides effects (warfarin).

Keywords: primary headache, senior, migraine, secondary headaches, red flags.