Do you know the difference between a migraine and a headache? If your loved one suffers from either of these, it is important to know the difference. The primary difference between migraines and headaches is their intensity and underlying causes. Migraines are usually more severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Headaches, on the other hand, are generally less severe and can be caused by various factors, including tension, sinus issues, or dehydration. Migraines are often linked to neurological and genetic factors. It’s important to document any health changes your senior experiences, including migraines. Once you grasp what they are going through, it’s easier to make a plan for you, for them, and for a senior home care provider. Here are a few things to consider:
Keep a Log
If your loved one experiences headaches every day at the same time, you should start keeping track of what they’re doing, eating, and any medications. This is something that senior home care can easily help with because a senior may not do this for themselves or may not always remember what medications they just took. Once you have a journal in place, the senior can take it to the doctor to discuss what is happening and why they are getting these headaches simultaneously every day.
Even if the headaches appear to be random, by keeping a journal, you may notice something similar each time a headache occurs in a senior. This journal will also help keep track of which remedies have worked to relieve your loved one’s headache, which can be important for family and any new caregivers to be aware of.
Get The Right Diagnosis
It is crucial to stay in touch with a doctor and get their input when trying to figure out what type of headache a senior is dealing with. Many doctors now have telehealth, so if a senior needs a quick doctor’s visit without wanting to go in, they can video chat with their healthcare providers to let them know what is going on. This will help keep the doctor informed, and they may be able to beat the headache shortly after the appointment with advice and guidance from a doctor.
Look For Triggers
One thing that the journal will be good for is identifying any triggers. This means if a senior has anxiety, or if it’s food or medications, you can easily figure out the trigger and then change their lifestyles to ensure their headaches happen less and less. This, unfortunately, can take some time, and if it is something like medication, the doctor will need to be informed before making any changes.
Always Follow a Treatment Plan
When the doctor gives senior orders, they should always follow the doctor’s instructions. They must follow a doctor’s treatment plan, and if they need reminders when to do something, this is something that senior home care can help with.
Reference
https://www.archildrens.org/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-migraine-and-a-headache
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Millburn, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. 888-664-1769
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