Home Health Care Walpole MA
With age comes the increased occurrence of physical aches and pains, including headaches. In fact, the American College of Physicians reported that seven out of 10 people in the United States suffer from at least one headache per year. These headaches have even caused people to miss days from work or be unable to complete their everyday tasks.
An elder home health care provider may be needed to assist your loved one if their headaches are disrupting their life. While most headaches are nothing to be concerned about, learning more about your loved one’s condition will help you determine just how serious their headaches really are.
Types of Headaches
There are three types of headaches to be aware of, which include:
Migraines: Migraines are a neurological disease that is caused by activity to the brain chemicals and nerve pathways. The pain usually takes place in only half of the head and consists of a throbbing ache that does not easily go away.
Tension headaches: This type of headache is usually triggered by stress, changes in lifestyle, dehydration, and medication side effects. Learning how to relax and lower stress levels will prevent tension headaches from developing.
Cluster headaches: The pain of cluster headaches is typically severe, penetrating, and burning. It usually occurs behind one eye and on one side of the head. Approximately one million people in the United States suffer from cluster headaches.
Diagnosis
There are some tests that can be performed to formally diagnose what kind of headache your loved one is suffering from. Some of these tests include:
Sinus x-rays A CBC in order to see if there is an infection by looking at the blood count number
Skull x-rays Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head to see if the elder suffered from a stroke, blood clot in the brain, or head trauma
Treatment
Some people can cure their headaches by using over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the headaches are frequently occurring, the doctor will be able to prescribe a medication based on the results of one the diagnostic tools they used.
Medications that may be prescribed are:
Verapamil, which is a calcium channel blocker
Methysergide maleate, which helps to reduce restrictions in the blood vessels
Beta blockers
Valproic acid
Amitriptyline, which is an antidepressant
Getting an occasional headache is normal, but it is not normal if your elderly parent is spending most of their days suffering from these aches and pains. Contact their doctor immediately to make sure there is not a more serious health problem taking place.
Source: http://healthtools.aarp.org/learning-center/featured/headache?lcStart=1
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Walpole MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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