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Suggest Treatment For Severe Headaches In An Elderly Person
Question: My 92 year old mother is having headaches. She has fallen several times but the last one about 2 months ago left her with a black eye. She had a MRI about 2 weeks after the fall and it did not show any problems. I read on WEB MD that a this type of fall can cause subdural hematomas and that they occur more often in elderly because of brain atrophy that causes stretching of the parasagittal bridging veins and a predisposition to tearing. She takes lyrica and a blood pressure med. Please give me your thoughts and perhaps a recommended treatment. Thank you, XXXXXXX Baker
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that the elderly can suffer from hemorrhagic complications more often and that at times subdural hematomas can manifest later than in the young (in the young the period of risk involves the first 24-48 hours).
However that MRI was done much later than the initial 48 hours. At 2 weeks I believe there is nothing to worry about, it is more then enough time even for a late bleed to be evidenced.
I would advise a little restraint in her treatment. She seems to take two medications which can cause dizziness as a side effect, hence predisposing to falls, I am referring to Lyrica and Butalbital.
Apart from that blood the cause of the falls should be searched such as orthostatic hypotension (excessive lowering of blood pressure when changing position), Parkinson's etc.
Regarding the treatment of the headache itself the safest option is Acetaminophen. If that is not enough Ibuprofen may also be used from time to time.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that the elderly can suffer from hemorrhagic complications more often and that at times subdural hematomas can manifest later than in the young (in the young the period of risk involves the first 24-48 hours).
However that MRI was done much later than the initial 48 hours. At 2 weeks I believe there is nothing to worry about, it is more then enough time even for a late bleed to be evidenced.
I would advise a little restraint in her treatment. She seems to take two medications which can cause dizziness as a side effect, hence predisposing to falls, I am referring to Lyrica and Butalbital.
Apart from that blood the cause of the falls should be searched such as orthostatic hypotension (excessive lowering of blood pressure when changing position), Parkinson's etc.
Regarding the treatment of the headache itself the safest option is Acetaminophen. If that is not enough Ibuprofen may also be used from time to time.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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