Six Possible Causes of Headaches in Seniors

Seniors who haven’t had headaches often in the past may find them upsetting if they are suddenly experiencing more of them now. There are some factors that could be affecting seniors as they age that make headaches more likely. Ignoring headaches isn’t the right plan, because often the underlying cause is what needs to be addressed. Home care providers can help aging adults start to notice some of the patterns that might help them figure out the causes of their headaches.

Dehydration

Lack of hydration is something seniors might feel everybody harps on for them, but there are reasons. When seniors don’t get enough fluids, their bodies might respond with symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and headaches. Elder care providers can help seniors establish some hydration routines that keep them drinking plenty of water.

Health Issues

So many different health issues can contribute to headaches, particularly for seniors. High blood pressure, sinus issues, and even dental problems can all cause painful headaches that might seem to pop up out of nowhere. The good news is that treating the underlying causes can help to reduce the frequency of those headaches.

Medication Side Effects

Sometimes it’s the medications that seniors take for their health issues that contribute to headaches. This is usually because of side effects from the medications. Keeping track of how they feel after taking their prescriptions can be an excellent way for seniors to notice that they might be causing headaches.

Vision Problems

Aging adults might have had the same eyeglass prescription for years and then realize that they aren’t seeing well. Before they get a corrected prescription, those vision problems could be causing headaches. This can happen because seniors squint to try to see and their eyes struggle to process visual inputs.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Lack of certain vitamins or minerals can also contribute to headaches. It’s always a good idea to talk to medical providers before taking any over-the-counter medications, including supplements. That’s because some vitamins and supplements could interfere with medications or might be contraindicated for some health issues. Doctors can test for deficiencies to make sure seniors take what they truly need.

Stress, Tension, and Anxiety

Feeling anxious, stressed, or extra tense can also contribute to headaches. This can happen because seniors might be worried about their lives and what their health might do in the future or for a variety of other reasons. Home care providers can do a lot to reduce the stress that seniors experience because they work to make life easier and safer for aging adults, while also offering companionship.

It’s really important that seniors address their headaches with their medical providers. Taking over-the-counter medications periodically for headache relief is most likely fine, but rebound headaches are definitely a concern. These occur when someone takes OTC pain medications too often, causing a headache. It’s always a good idea to talk with medical providers about new symptoms, including headaches. Home care providers can help seniors to keep track of questions they want to ask their doctors and can even help with transportation to appointments.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Saratoga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.