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Keeping a headache diary
A headache diary can be valuable in helping you and your doctor diagnose and treat your headaches. You can use it to map out the 
characteristics of your headaches, including their frequency, duration, and intensity. A diary can also help identify possible triggers and related symptoms, as well as track the dosage and effectiveness of any medications you're taking.
There are many ways to keep a headache diary. You can record this information on a preprinted form like the one below, or on a regular calendar or notebook to. Or you can download a headache app and use it on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Your doctor may recommend keeping such a diary every day for a week, a month, or the duration of your treatment. He or she may review the diary with you to assess your progress, weigh the effectiveness of medications, or make adjustments in your treatment plan.
Headache diaryFeel free to reproduce this diary for your own use. You can also download a formatted copy. |
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First episode |
Second episode |
Third episode |
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Date/day of the week of headache |
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Time of onset |
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Time of resolution |
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Warning signs |
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Location(s) of the pain |
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Type of pain |
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Intensity of the pain * |
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Additional symptoms |
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Activities/circumstances at time of onset |
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Time of most recent meal prior to onset |
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Food/drink most recently consumed prior to onset |
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Medication(s) taken for headache |
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Response to medication(s) |
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Other action(s) taken for relief |
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Response to action(s) |
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Last menstrual period ** |
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Medication(s) currently taken for other condition(s) |
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* On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain possible ** Beginning date and ending date |
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Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Plantar warts: Options for treating this common foot condition
Nutritional yeast: Does this savory, vegan seasoning pack a nutritional punch?
Salmonella is sneaky: Watch out
Two jobs may lower the odds of dying from Alzheimer's disease — but why?
Mastitis: What to do when your breasts are painfully inflamed
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it
Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
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