We’ve all had headaches, but have you ever experienced a migraine? Migraines are more than “just headaches.” They can bring on nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even changes in vision or balance. For older adults, migraines may be complicated by other health conditions or medications, which can make them harder to recognize and manage. In this week’s post, we’ll explore what migraines are, how they may show up in older adults, and what resources are available to help manage them.  

 

What are the symptoms of migraines? (you may have all or few of these symptoms) 

• Head pounding and/or throbbing 
• Pain in the face or neck 
• Visual irregularities (e.g., flashing lights, blind spots, auras, etc.) 
• Numbness 
• Confusion 
• Difficulty speaking 
• Vertigo 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Light sensitivity 
• Sound sensitivity 

 

What causes migraines? 

• Risk Factors 
  • Family history of migraines 
  • Chronic pain (which can change how your body registers pain!) 
  • Obesity 
  • Head injuries (e.g., concussions) 
  • Certain mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) 
  • Sleep disorders  
  • Pain-related chronic conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, etc.) 
  • Gender– cisgender women are three times more likely to experience migraines than cisgender men.
• Triggers- Migraines are unique in that what triggers a migraine in one person might not trigger a migraine in another. Below are common “triggers” that can bring on a migraine: 
  • Anxiety or stress 
  • Hunger 
  • Dehydration 
  • Weather changes  
  • Specific scents or fragrances 
  • Caffeine 
  • Foods or food additives (e.g., fermented items such as cheese, kombucha, or beer, pickled foods, or aged foods) 
  • Some types of light 

 

Do migraines affect older adults differently? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, migraines tend to be less frequent as we age; it’s uncommon to experience migraines after menopause. However, according to research from the AARP, about one in 10 seniors experience migraines. The good news is that, compared to their younger counterparts, older adults (age 65+) experience less painful migraines.  

• 63% of older migraine sufferers reported less pain than younger adults with migraines.  
• Migraines in older adults are less likely to be affected by activity. 
• Older adults are more likely to experience migraines at night or early in the morning. 
• If they experience aura (visual issues), older adults are more likely to experience aura for a longer period of time than their younger counterparts.  
• Younger migraine sufferers are more likely to feel pain on one side of their heads, while older adults are more likely to feel pain on both sides of their heads.  
• Older adults experience unique symptoms, such as neck pain, dry mouth, runny nose, and even anorexia. 
• Older adults are more likely to have risk factors related to the heart that can make treatment complicated.  
• It’s important to note that many medications used to manage migraines can lead to negative side effects for older adults. For example, a medication a senior is already taking can negatively affect how a migraine medication is absorbed in the body. Other common migraine medications may lead to sedation (increasing the risk of falls), internal bleeding, issues with the heart or kidneys, or impact a senior’s senses (also increasing the risk of falls).  
• Older adults with memory loss may have a difficult time following a treatment plan. 

 

 

When to see a doctor 

It’s advised to see your doctor or go to an urgent care/emergency room if you experience any of the following: 

• Very intense headache that starts suddenly (also known as a thunderclap headache) 
• Very intense, painful headache that you’d describe as the worst headache of your life 
• Weakness on one side of the body.  
• Headache with a fever 
• Stiff neck 
• Confusion 
• Seizures 
• Double vision  
• New headache pain after age 50 

 

Tips for managing migraines 

• Keep a journal to track your migraines, especially what you were doing/eating/drinking before you had your migraine. This will help you identify your triggers. 
• Stay active. 
• Identify your life stressors and take steps to address them. 
• Avoid foods, scents, or other things that might trigger your migraines.  

 

Migraine resources  

• Online 
  • Online support groups via Chronic Migraine Awareness 
  • Online support groups via Miles for Migraine 
  • Mindfulness resources via Miles for Migraine 
  • Virtual online social events via Miles for Migraine 
  • Chronic pain resources via VA Women’s Health
  • Check Facebook for user-created groups devoted to migraines 
• Community-based 
  • Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute (MHNI) (734) 677-6000 
  • Michigan Medicine Headache & Neuropathic Pain (734) 998-1513 
  • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group- Neurology (734) 712-1400