Migraines can happen to anyone at any age, but it’s especially important for seniors to learn how to deal with these painful headaches as they don’t need additional pain interfering with their daily activities. The bottom line is that migraines can make things difficult, but if seniors have support from their elder care team and loved ones, they will know what to do and be able to regain control.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines aren’t like other headaches. They usually cause strong throbbing pain on one side of the head, along with other symptoms like feeling sick, throwing up, and being sensitive to light and sound. Having a migraine can be very frustrating, especially when it lasts for a long time.
Taking Care of Seniors With Migraines
If seniors suffer from migraines, especially if it is a new development, they should see their doctor right away to rule out any other health problems that might be causing them. The medical team can make a diagnosis, suggest the right medicines, and talk about possible causes. If migraines are something they’ve also dealt with, but their remedies are no longer working, the elder care team and medical professionals might be able to provide suggestions they’ve not tried before.
Medication For Migraines
A doctor might suggest medication for migraines. If this is the case, the elder care team can work with seniors to ensure they take it on a consistent basis and to assess for side effects. As always, seniors should also confirm with their doctor that the medication won’t affect other medications they’re already taking, especially if they work with more than one doctor.
Lifestyle Changes That Might Prevent or Reduce Migraines
It might be possible to make lifestyle changes that help seniors gain more control over their migraines. For many of these, consistent support from elder care providers and loved ones can help seniors remain consistent. Some suggested lifestyle changes are:
- Setting a regular sleep routine
- Avoiding dehydration
- Utilizing meditation and deep breathing
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol use
- Eating healthy meals
- Exercising regularly
- Removing Migraine Triggers
Determining what causes migraines is essential. Unfortunately, it might not be a simple answer, and the causes are different for everyone. Some common causes are certain smells, foods, hormonal changes, and changes in the weather. If seniors can determine their triggers, they can lessen the number and intensity of their migraines by avoiding or limiting their exposure to these triggers.
Elder care providers can keep track of migraines by writing down how often, how bad, and the possible triggers for each one. Over time, the support team might see a pattern develop and be able to take steps toward disrupting that pattern.
Technology might also be able to assist seniors in tracking and dealing with their migraines. There are apps for smartphones that can keep track of headaches, food intake, and sleep routines to help them find the triggers and create a consistent, healthy routine.
It’s essential for seniors to learn to manage their migraines. They should work closely with a healthcare expert and rely on their elder care team and loved ones to find the support they need and be able to live a better quality of life.
Sources:
https://americanheadachesociety.org/topic/migraine-in-the-elderly/
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/geriatric-headaches
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Prosper, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.
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