If you get frequent headaches and migraines like, you may find this headache log useful. It was through the use of a headache diary like the one that I finally learned how to mitigate my migraine pain. I’m still trying to figure out all the triggers, so after I ran out of room on my hand-written migraine log I decide to move ahead and create this. Hope you also find it useful.
Free printable headache log
Keep a diary of your headaches track using this printable headache log. Tracking possible symptoms and triggers can help both you and your doctor identify ways to prevent them in future. Use this spreadsheet to keep a record on your computer. If you usually travel a lot, you can use the Google Sheets version so that you always have access to the log.
A Major Step Towards Prevention is Understanding
I’m not a medical doctor, so I don’t take any of this as professional advice. But, if you are trying to prevent headaches or migraines, you might find this useful.
Migraines vs. Headaches
If you don’t know the difference between a normal headache and a true migraine, I suggest you do some research. I had headaches that were just as painful as some migraines, although most of the time a migraine is much worse. It’s not just about the level of pain went through. Even though the causes, triggers, and symptoms are mostly similar, a migraine is a different beast, medically speaking.
Symptoms vs. Triggers
One of the main reasons for keeping a diary of headaches and migraines is to help you identify the triggers, meaning the factors that can be the cause of your headache. Then, maybe you can work on avoiding or preventing the triggers. Symptoms on the other head, are sometimes the effects of the headache, such as pain, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, etc.
Monthly headache log
It’s important to record both symptoms and possible triggers. Symptoms are used to help you identify the type of headache or migraine you may have. Recording the symptoms can also help you identify the effectiveness of medications you are into. Of course, what works for others may not work for you.
Possible Triggers
Use a Headache Log to Help Identify Triggers” I’ve written more details about some of the following common headache and migraine triggers.
- Water (lack of)
- Activity (e.g. exercise without hydration and electrolytes)
- Sleep (lack of and irregular)
- Stress (psychic)
- Muscle Tension (particularly in the neck)
- Food / Diet
- Noises
- Odors
- Light
- Menstruation
