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Review
. 2022 Apr;26(4):331-335.
doi: 10.1007/s11916-022-01029-7. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Episodic Migraine and Older Adults

Nina Riggins  1   2 , Annika Ehrlich  3
Affiliations
Review

Episodic Migraine and Older Adults

Nina Riggins et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Migraine is and continues to be a significant medical issue in older adults. Migraine can have different characteristics in older adults and specific diagnostic and treatment considerations need to be applied when managing headache and migraine in this population, which is increasing in both size and diversity. Contrary to widely held beliefs, migraine may not improve in older women following menopause and can have new onset in older age. The purpose of this review is to give an update on the diagnosis and treatment of episodic migraine in older adults.

Recent findings: As the population ages, migraine in older adults will become a more significant public health issue. Migraine in older adults can present with different clinical symptoms than in a younger population and is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion in older adults. Migraine treatment considerations for older adults should include comorbidities and medication interactions. Recent findings suggest there are medications that should be avoided when treating seniors with migraine. The purpose of this review is to give an update on the most important aspects regarding the diagnosis and treatment of headache and migraine in older adults. In addition, recommendations will be made concerning medications that need careful consideration when prescribing to seniors.

Keywords: Elderly; Episodic; Geriatric; Headache; Migraine; Older.

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Conflict of interest statement

Nina Riggins consulted for Gerson Lehrman Group, participated in compensated work with AcademicCME, principal investigator (PI) on research with Electrocore, uncompensated PI work on research with products of Theraspecs, Dolor technologies, Eli Lilly, uncompensated work on NeurologyLive Advisory Board and received compensation for editing NeurologyLive issue, Board member of Miles for Migraine. Annika Ehrlich serves on the speaker bureau for Abbvie and Lilly pharmaceuticals, has received consulting fees from Allergan, and has served on an advisory boards for Currax and BDSI.

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