Keeping a headache diary

Why keep a headache diary?

Recording details of your migraine attacks or headache can be useful. It can help:

• your doctor make a diagnosis
• you recognise triggers and warning signs
• assess whether your acute or preventive medication is working
• show any patterns to attacks.

A headache diary can include information on a range of things, however, it’s often best to keep it simple and record basic information. This can include:

• date
• day of the week
• duration (how long the attack lasted)
• severity (how bad the attack was). This can either be recorded as mild, moderate or severe. Or on a scale from 1-10, where 10 is the worst pain you can imagine
• other symptoms you experience alongside the headache such as dizziness, vertigo, sensitivity to light, sound, smells or any symptoms that affect your movement (e.g. numbness).
• medication you take, including if you take a second dose
• anything else that may be helpful. Such as side effects from medication, any potential triggers, your period, any changes in medication, and anything else that may be helpful.

Below is a monthly template of a headache diary you may find helpful.