Health Tip: Log Headaches in a Diary
June 24, 2009, 12:02 PM ET
• 1 min read
June 25 -- (HealthDay News) -- If you have frequent or chronic headaches, it's important to figure out what's behind them. That's where a headache diary can be helpful for you and your doctor.
The National Headache Foundation offers these suggestions about what to include in a headache diary:
When your headache started, and where it hurts.How the pain feels, such as stabbing, blinding, splitting, pounding or throbbing.How you felt just before the headache began, such as a change in eyesight.Any recent exposure to bright light or significant odor.How often your headaches strike, what day and time they happen, and their duration.Any possible associations between your headaches and factors including hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, foods eaten, activities performed, stresses, smoking or sleep habit changes.If your headaches feel the same or different each time.Any family history of headaches.