Chronic Headache in the Elderly

Abstract

This article covers some of the major headache types found in the geriatric population. Misperceptions regarding headache in the elderly will be addressed and updated with current perspectives from the literature. Both diagnostic and treatment updates are covered, with special emphasis on headaches unique to those over the age of 60 years: giant cell arteritis, hypnic headache, trigeminal neuralgia, paroxysmal hemicrania, cervicogenic headache, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic features. We will focus on both common and unique causes of headache in the elderly. While the medical literature on headache in older patients is rich with case reports, small case series and uncontrolled trials, we will emphasize the last 5 years of medical literature and systematic reviews where they exist.