Home » Health and Common Old Age Diseases » Chronic » Headache and Migraine A migraine headache is defined as a form of vascular headache that is caused by the enlargement of blood vessels and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels. The headache and migraine leads to the release of chemicals from the nerves. It thus results in inflammation, pain and consequent enlargement of the artery. Occurring in all age groups, headache and migraine is one of the Chronic Diseases with the aged.

One of the many familiar problems associated with the people, especially the aged, headache and migraine do have some common symptoms:

• Moderate to severe, continuous pain in the head
• More pain near the eye on the affected side
• Increase in pain with greater physical activity
• If not treated, the headache and migraine can last for a few hours to 2-3 days, in exceptional cases may last for a few days
• Greater sensitivity to light or high volume of sound
• In certain cases, nausea or vomiting tendencies could occur.

A headache and migraine is usually diagnosed if the symptoms as discussed persist in the person for some time. While the disease is quite common with people of all ages, advancing ages makes it more frequent. A family history, indicating a genetic disposition is usually seen in a number of migraine cases. Depending upon the case history and the situation, the patient may be advised tests on blood and scan of the brain.

Treatment of headache and migraine can include both non-medication and medication approaches.

In the context of non-medication approach, one can think of rest and relaxation. The elderly or the aged who are more prone to it need adequate amount of rest and a life with very little of stress. In addition to, too much straining of eyes by watching television or listening to high pitch sound music or the like, should be avoided. As much sleep as possible, should be resorted to. The food intake of nuts, meat and smoking should be cut down to the maximum.

Quite a good number of over the counter medicines are available for headache and migraine. Ibuprofen, Naproxen and many such medicines could be considered depending upon the acuteness of the problem. However, proper rest, sleep and intake of nutritious food are the best ways to prevent the occurrence of headache and migraine.

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