Khaberni - Many people over the age of forty complain of frequent headaches, some of which are slight and temporary, while in other cases it extends chronically, hindering daily activities, raising concerns about the presence of underlying health issues.
Here are the most prominent potential causes of persistent headaches after the age of forty, and the signs that necessitate a medical consultation, as stated by Dr. Sherif Hetta, a consultant in public health and preventive medicine, according to Al-Consulto.
Causes of Persistent Headache After Forty
Hetta says that chronic headache in this age group is often linked to physical changes and an imbalanced lifestyle, but it can also indicate deeper health issues.
He explains that the most common causes behind persistent headaches after forty include:
1- High blood pressure, especially if treatment is inconsistent or if regular monitoring is neglected.
2- Chronic stress and lack of sleep, which affects blood circulation and brain functions.
3- Vision problems or prolonged use of electronic devices, which strains the eye muscles and causes frequent headaches at the front of the head.
4- Cervical spine disorders resulting from incorrect sitting or lack of physical fitness.
5- Hormonal changes in men and women as they age, which affects the stability of blood pressure and the activity of the nervous system.
When is a Headache a Sign of Danger?
Hetta affirms that if a headache persists without improvement despite taking painkillers or changing lifestyle, it necessitates an urgent medical examination.
He adds that there are indicators that should cause concern, including:
1- The sudden and unusually severe onset of a headache.
2- Headache accompanied by disturbances in vision or speech.
3- Feeling weakness on one side of the body.
4- Recurrent headache at fixed times daily or upon waking from sleep.
The public health consultant notes that these symptoms may be linked to conditions such as arteriosclerosis or circulatory disorders in the brain or brain tumors, so they should not be ignored.
Prevention and Control of Headache After Forty
Hetta provides a set of guidelines to reduce the chances of persistent headaches, including:
1- Controlling blood pressure and sugar and undergoing regular check-ups.
2- Getting enough sleep at regular times.
3- Drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration.
4- Reducing caffeine and stimulants intake.
5- Maintaining correct sitting posture and regularly exercising.
6- Consulting an ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), and internist to rule out organic causes.
