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Headache diary

introduction

A headache diary is a type of written log that records various data about headaches. This makes it an important tool in the diagnosis and therapy of headaches.
The person concerned is given a template with appropriate criteria according to which the headache should be assessed if it occurs. After a certain period of time, the headache diary is then evaluated together with the treating doctor.

Who should keep a headache diary?

Keeping a headache diary can be very helpful in choosing an appropriate therapy. In principle, everyone who suffers from headaches over a long period of time benefits from a headache diary.

This does not mean that a headache diary must be kept for the occasional headache that lasts only for a short time and / or is hardly limiting.

Headache is one of the most common symptoms of all, and in some cases there is a clear cause that can be treated accordingly. However, the cause often cannot be clearly identified, which makes therapy more difficult. Those affected by this benefit most from a headache diary.

If the cause cannot be clearly determined, particular consideration must be given to the circumstances under which the headache occurs. This means, for example, the time of day or the situations in which it occurs, i.e. at rest, during exercise, during or after eating and so on. All these questions can be used to identify various triggers, i.e. factors that promote headache.

Read on below: Headache Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

What is documented in a headache diary?

In a headache diary, a wide variety of facts and characteristics of the headaches that occur are compiled. The whole thing should be logged for at least a month to be representative of the nature of the headache. The rule is that with more information on the specific characteristics of headaches, more precise statements can be made with regard to the therapy.

First of all, a headache diary is used to record when, how often and for how long the headache occurs per day. The severity of the headache can - depending on the template - be divided into different levels.

Furthermore, a statement about the type of pain is important, i.e. whether the pain is throbbing or pulsating or rather pressing and dull. The location of the headache and whether it occurs on one side of the head or on both sides must also be documented.

In addition, accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances must be recorded. Of course, it is important to provide information about a possible trigger, such as stress or menstruation, as well as against the headache and medication generally taken.

Furthermore, more detailed information about the activity of the person should be given. This includes the question of whether the headache occurred during physical activity and whether or not work can still be done despite the headache.

You may also be interested in this topic: Headache after exercise

Where can I find a good template?

There are different templates for a headache diary. Doctors who specialize in the treatment of headaches often have their own headache diaries that they can give to their patients.

Alternatively, numerous templates can be found on the Internet. The German Society for Headaches is certainly a good reference. Many other templates are based on their headache diaries.
Specific headache diaries already exist for migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches.

Also read: Cluster headache

Evaluation of the headache diary

If sufficient information has been documented in the headache diary over a certain period of time, it should be analyzed together with a doctor.

However, if the headache persists for a long time, it is advisable to see a doctor to discuss the next steps with him. The idea of creating a headache diary can also be attached or an already filled headache diary can be brought along.

The attending physician, often a neurologist or pain therapist, can then give therapy suggestions. Depending on the type and severity of the headache, drugs of varying strength are available that can combat the headache.

More information on similar topics:

Tension headache
migraine

Headache diary for children

Headaches can also occur in children in a chronic form, i.e. over a longer period of time. Therefore, it can also be useful to keep a headache diary here. There are headache diaries specially made for children.

Certain questions are presented with clearer and simpler answer options. For example, the localization of the headache is illustrated with images of a head in order to make it easier and more pleasant for the children to answer such questions. Usually, at the beginning of the headache diary, a small introductory text explains the purpose of creating the headache diary.

As a rule, a conversation with the child, the treating doctor and, optionally, the parents of the child is conducted in advance about the creation of the headache diary.

There are several pediatric centers that specialize in treating headaches in children. These centers offer templates for a headache diary for children to print out on the Internet.

More on this: Headache in child