8 Tips for Keeping a Migraine Diary
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Susan Fishman, NCC, CRC on September 16, 2022
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The Headache DiariesIf you are struggling with migraines, or suspect that you are, one of the best things you can do is record your experience. By keeping a migraine (or headache) diary over a period of at least 2 to 3 months, you may begin to see a pattern to your migraine attacks so you can determine what’s triggering them, and how to avoid them.
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1. Get the app.If you like the old-school, pencil-and-notebook kind of diary, your doctor can most likely provide a good migraine or headache template for you to use. But if you prefer a digital method, you can upload an app to your phone. Migraine Buddy and iHeadache are two popular headache diary apps that make recording your symptoms a no-brainer.
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2. Make it monthly or annually.Some doctors ask patients to complete a diary and bring it in for their first appointment, or to keep a diary following the first appointment to be assessed at each follow-up visit. Start with a monthly diary if you are planning a visit to your doctor to diagnose your condition and while your migraine and treatment are under review. Then you can progress to an annual diary if you have an ongoing condition. For women, an annual diary can be useful to examine the relationship between menstrual cycles and migraine.
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3. Keep time.As you record information in your diary, note when the migraines occur, how often they occur, and how long they last. It’s helpful to note when episodes start and stop so you don’t have to go back and make a guess when the migraine is over.
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4. Note what you were doing.It’s important to note not only what you were doing during the episode, but, perhaps more importantly, what you were doing (6-8 hours) prior to the migraine so you can determine potential triggers. Were you eating or skipping a meal, sleeping or not sleeping? Perhaps you were at a concert with loud noise and bright lights, or waiting out a rainstorm. Weather is a trigger for some. Triggers are different for everyone, and can vary from episode to episode.
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5. Describe the severity.Be sure to record the type of pain (e.g. throbbing, piercing) and where it is. Is it all over the head or localized in the front of the head? Note the severity of the attack, as well. You can use a scale of 1-3, where 1 is mild (bothersome but did not interfere with activities), 2 is moderate (interfered with normal activities) and 3 is severe (required bed rest). Also write down any other health symptoms you are having, even if they seem unrelated to your migraines.
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6. Include food and medication.Certain foods can trigger migraines, so be sure to document what you were eating at least 6-8 hours before an attack came on. Make a note of missed or delayed meals, as well. Also, record any medications you are taking and how effective they are or aren’t. It’s important to list all medications, including vitamins and supplements — even for other conditions — as well as the dosages.
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7. Consider your activities.Sometimes things like exercise or other physical activities can bring on a migraine. Even work and social activities can play a role if a high degree of stress, or certain foods or alcohol, are involved. Alcohol is often a strong trigger, so be sure to record in your diary any alcohol or caffeinated beverages you’ve had.
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8. Don’t forget key personal information.As you recount your symptoms, include any personal information that could potentially be a factor, including any major stresses or recent life changes, or if you have other medical symptoms, such as being sick or having vision problems. And women should be sure to record details of their menstrual cycle. If you’re vigilant about your diary, it can give you and your doctor a clear overview of your lifestyle and how it affects your health so you can identify migraine triggers and try to avoid or minimize them. It can also help your doctor diagnose your condition and determine if your treatment is working.
8 Tips for Keeping a Migraine Diary