Headache in elderly

headache in elderly defined as individuals aged 65 or older. headache prevalence and etiology differ dramatically with age. The prevalence of primary headache diseases, such as migraine and cluster decrease with age, while the prevalence of secondary headache disorders, such as temporal arteritis and mass lesion increase.In old patients, headache may be challenging problem and should be evaluated with high suspicion for organic disease. further more we encounter to high rate of psychiatric disease like depression in geriatrics that may mislead the diagnosis. Headache symptomatology also varies with age for example, migraine may evolve into pattern of chronic daily headache or auras without headache (late-life migraine accompaniments). Also In elderly patient, medication related headache and systemic induced headache (HTN induced headache) more seen.These patients require complete history and physical exam and assessment the risk of secondary headache. imaging and lab tests are done more than young patients. Headache management is influenced by age too. Elderly people are more prone to medication side effects and overuse. they usually have more comorbidities and consumed several drugs. They tolerate drugs less. So, in this review, distinguishing characters of the most common types of headache will evaluate and asses the diagnostic tools and suitable managements.

Headache in elderly Keywords:

elderly , headache