How to Keep a Migraine Diary

In order for a physician to accurately treat migraine, he or she must determine what triggers the headache. There are thousands of possible triggers and no two patients are the same. To assist in the diagnosis process, patients should keep a migraine diary. It will help in identifying possible headache triggers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Keep a Migraine Diary

1. Obtain a notebook to use as a migraine diary. Choose one with pages that cannot be easily removed. This will help to preserve the integrity of the diary.
2. Use a pen to record entries. A pencil is unacceptable because it is too easy to erase or change the information recorded.
3. Record everything that happened just prior to the migraine's onset. This should include changes in light sources or sound volume, foods eaten or drinks consumed, medications consumed; any and all things that could have triggered the event.
4. As the migraine takes hold, keep a record of everything about the headache. This should include the time it began and its intensity on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the worst pain). Outline actions taken to alleviate the headache and keep a record of what did and did not work in the process. Write down medications taken, along with the dosage amount. Record all symptoms that occur during the course of the headache. Make special note of any changes from previous migraine symptoms. Do not forget to record the approximate time that the headache ceased. Date the diary entry with the month, day, and year.
5. Immediately call a physician with the sudden onset of symptoms like inability to speak or form accurate words for conversation; numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the extremities; or a change in vision.
6. Note any and all trips to the doctor or emergency room for migraine treatment. Be sure to record the date, time, medication given, and the name of the treating physician.
7. Continue to record in the diary each migraine experienced for a minimal period of three months to a maximum of six.
8. Take the diary to the next meeting with the diagnosing physician.

Tips & Warnings

• Be absolutely honest and open in all diary entries. Leaving out or altering information is counterproductive to the diagnosis process and may result in unnecessary or even dangerous treatment.
• Because there are some similarities between stroke and certain types of migraine, do not ignore symptom changes. If in doubt about anything, do not hesitate to contact a physician.