Headache Diary

Perhaps the most important tool in headache prevention is the headache diary. It is used by doctors in determining the underlying causes and patterns related to your headache. Many patients actually feel better after completing their headache diary.

This diary exercise can help you be more aware of headache triggers and remind you of what works for your pain. Look back to the list of headache triggers and foods to help you complete your entry. Do this for your next four headaches. Do you see a pattern? Your diary will help you address your symptoms much more accurately. If you're going to see your healthcare professional remember to take your headache diary along.

Download your Headache Diary, or you can also print out this web page.

Date:	Date:	Date:	Date:
Warning Signs:	Warning Signs:	Warning Signs:	Warning Signs:
Time Begun:	Time Begun:	Time Begun:	Time Begun:
Time Ended:	Time Ended:	Time Ended:	Time Ended:
Type of Pain: (e.g., piercing, throbbing, etc.)	Type of Pain: (e.g., piercing, throbbing, etc.)	Type of Pain: (e.g., piercing, throbbing, etc.)	Type of Pain: (e.g., piercing, throbbing, etc.)
Intensity of Pain: (circle one) (L) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (H)	Intensity of Pain: (circle one) (L) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (H)	Intensity of Pain: (circle one) (L) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (H)	Intensity of Pain: (circle one) (L) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (H)
Location: (e.g., between eyes, back of head, etc.)	Location: (e.g., between eyes, back of head, etc.)	Location: (e.g., between eyes, back of head, etc.)	Location: (e.g., between eyes, back of head, etc.)
Treatment or Medication Taken:	Treatment or Medication Taken:	Treatment or Medication Taken:	Treatment or Medication Taken:
Effect of Treatment:	Effect of Treatment:	Effect of Treatment:	Effect of Treatment:
Hours of Sleep:	Hours of Sleep:	Hours of Sleep:	Hours of Sleep:
What I Ate Today:	What I Ate Today:	What I Ate Today:	What I Ate Today:
Events Prior to Headache: (e.g., strenous activity, elevated stress, etc.)	Events Prior to Headache: (e.g., strenous activity, elevated stress, etc.)	Events Prior to Headache: (e.g., strenous activity, elevated stress, etc.)	Events Prior to Headache: (e.g., strenous activity, elevated stress, etc.)
Comments:	Comments:	Comments:	Comments: