Via practica 3/2022

Headaches – an up to date problem even in elderly age

This paper describes specific problems of headache in seniors. The occurrence of primary headaches (migraine, tension – type headache, cluster headache) decreases with increasing age, the occurrence of secondary headaches (organic or metabolic diseases) increases, certain types of headaches occur almost exclusively in the elderly (giant cell arteritis, hypnic headache). Although treatments for most common primary headaches are available, age-related physiologic changes, comorbidities, contra indications, polypharmacy and increased risk of side effects require appropriate treatment in the elderly. Specific problems of acute and prophylactic treatment in primary headaches in the elderly are mentioned. In the second part of this paper secondary headaches are described, which have increased significance in the elderly. Various imaging and laboratory evaluations are indicated in the presence of any red flag signs and symptoms.

Keywords: headache, elderly age, migraine, secondary headaches, red flags