As seniors face the golden years, bodies navigate a lot of changes. While some things might improve with age, others, like headaches, can become a persistent concern. It's a common misconception that headaches simply fade away as we get older. In reality, headaches in seniors can be complex, often stemming from different causes than those experienced in younger adults. Understanding the types of headaches, their potential triggers, and effective treatment options is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life after 60.

When considering whether headaches ease up with age, there’s no simple answer. While some individuals may experience a decrease in the frequency or intensity of certain types of headaches, particularly migraines, others may find that headaches become a new or recurring problem as they age. There are several reasons for this variability among seniors:

• Pre-existing conditions: Seniors are more likely to have underlying health conditions like hypertension, arthritis, glaucoma, or sleep apnea, which can contribute to or exacerbate headaches.
• Medications: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is common in older adults. Many medications have headache as a potential side effect, and interactions between drugs can also trigger headaches.
• Lifestyle changes: Retirement, changes in activity levels, dietary shifts, and social isolation can all impact headache frequency and intensity.
• Age-related changes: Natural aging processes can affect blood vessels, nerve function, and hormone levels, potentially contributing to headache development.

Understanding what causes bad headaches in seniors can be tricky because there are 100 different types of headaches with varying symptoms and severity.¹ While some headaches are minor and can be treated at home, others can be indicative of more serious underlying conditions. A geriatric headache refers to headaches that occur later in life or a new onset of headaches, either of which could be associated with underlying issues.

Here are some of the most common causes of bad headaches among older adults.

• Tension headaches: This is the most common type of headache, characterized by a tight band of pressure around the head. In seniors, tension headaches can be triggered by stress, anxiety, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or even eye strain.
• Migraines: While migraines are often associated with younger adults, they can persist or even develop for the first time in older age. Migraines are characterized by intense throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.¹ Hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, and environmental factors can trigger migraines.
• Medication-overuse headaches (rebound headaches): Ironically, frequent use of pain relievers to treat headaches can lead to more frequent and severe headaches. This is particularly common in seniors who rely on over-the-counter or prescription pain medications for chronic pain conditions.

A secondary headache is one that occurs because of an underlying medical condition like high blood pressure. In some cases, these headaches are considered rare, don’t follow the same pattern as a primary headache, and may come on suddenly or stronger. A secondary headache may be a greater cause for concern. Visit with your healthcare provider about symptoms and concerns to make sure no underlying condition is driving the headaches.²

Here are the reasons for secondary headaches.

• Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis): This is an inflammation of the arteries in the head, particularly the temporal artery. It causes severe headaches, often accompanied by tenderness in the scalp, jaw pain, and vision changes. Giant cell arteritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye can cause headaches, particularly around the eyes.
• Sinus infections: Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to headaches, facial pain, and nasal congestion.
• Brain tumors: While rare, brain tumors can cause persistent headaches that worsen over time, often accompanied by neurological symptoms like weakness, seizures, or changes in personality.
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sudden, severe headaches can be a sign of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, speech difficulties, or vision changes.
• Cervicogenic headaches: These headaches originate from problems in the neck, such as arthritis or muscle tension. The pain often radiates from the neck to the head.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition causes intense, stabbing pain in the face, often triggered by touch or movement.
• Cluster headaches: These are rare but excruciatingly painful headaches that occur in clusters, with multiple headaches occurring within a short period. Cluster headaches are characterized by intense pain around one eye, often accompanied by tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness.

Treating headaches in seniors involves a comprehensive approach that explores the possible underlying causes, symptoms, and patient history. Almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in life, so treatments are widespread and common. While some may be more clinical, others may only require a change of habit.³

• Stress management: Everyday life is stressful whether you’re a young person or a senior. Stress and tension can easily cause head pain. Yoga, exercise, meditation, or taking a nature walk are all ways to manage stress. Exercise helps with blood flow and mood.
• Diet: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods (such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and aged cheeses) can help prevent migraines.
• Good sleep hygiene: Setting up a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can improve sleep quality and reduce headache frequency.
• Proper posture: Keeping good posture while sitting and standing can reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, preventing tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
• Medications: Depending on the severity of your headache, an over-the-counter pain reliever may solve the problem. Other prescription medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Muscle relaxers are also a way to relieve tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
• Alternative therapies: Techniques and therapies like acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, and behavioral therapy are more options for relieving pain.

The relationship between menopause and migraines is complex and varies from woman to woman. For some women, migraines improve after menopause due to the stabilization of hormone levels. However, for others, migraines may worsen or even develop for the first time during the menopausal transition. This is because the fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause can trigger migraines. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can sometimes help alleviate migraines associated with menopause, but it's important to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with a healthcare provider.

It's crucial to seek medical attention for headaches in seniors if any of the following red flags are present:

• Sudden, severe headache, especially if it's different from earlier headaches
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizures, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Headache that worsens over time
• New headache in someone with a history of cancer or HIV
• Tenderness or pain in the scalp, especially in the temporal area
• Jaw pain or vision changes associated with the headache
• Headache that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Changes in personality or cognitive function

These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Headaches in seniors are a common but often overlooked concern. By understanding the different types of headaches, their potential triggers, and effective treatment options, seniors and their caregivers can take proactive steps to manage headaches and improve their quality of life. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to find the underlying cause of the headache and develop a personalized treatment plan. With the right approach, seniors can find relief from headaches and enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling life. 

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• “Know Your Headaches,” Cedars Sinai, last accessed on March 7, 2025, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/know-your-headaches.html#:~:text=Seek%20immediate%20medical%20attention%20if,than%204%20hours%20pain-free
• “Secondary Headaches,” American Migraine Foundation, last accessed on March 7, 2025, https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/secondary-headaches/
• “Lifestyle Changes for Migraine Management, American Migraine Foundation, last accessed on April 28, 2025, https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/lifestyle-changes-for-migraine/
• “Migraines and Hormones,” The Migraine Trust, last accessed on March 7, 2025, https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-and-hormones/#:~:text=Once%20a%20woman's%20periods%20have,migraine%20is%20a%20lot%20better
• “Headache” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, last accessed on March 7, 2025, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache#:~:text=A%20headache%20with%20loss%20of,convulsions%20(shaking)%20or%20trouble%20breathing