MIGRAINE IN THE ELDERLY

Primary headaches decrease with age, and secondary headaches should be excluded in the differential diagnosis. Very rarely, migraine headaches may occur after the age of 50. A distinction should be made between aura and transient ischemic attacks. Ergotamine and triptans should be avoided in patients with these symptoms or in patients at risk of ischemic disease. Since the possibility of comorbidity is high in this age group, this situation should be taken into consideration in attack treatment and preventive treatment. Paracetamol, NSAIDs, combined analgesics, antiemetic agents, IV magnesium sulfate (2 g, given over 10 minutes) can be used in attack treatment. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics, and antidepressants can be used in preventive treatment.