Migraine headaches can occur in any age group. Patients commonly experience moderate to severe on one side of the head that intensifies with activity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pain is usually throbbing in nature and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or vomiting. Approximately 25 percent of patients have an aura before the headache begins. Migraine sufferers may benefit from tracking their headaches to identify the triggers that may cause the pain.
Step 1
Select a convenient method of tracking your headaches. Some patients prefer to use a calendar, journal or diary, while others use a web-based headache diary or a spreadsheet. You may want to try several methods to see which fits your lifestyle best.
Step 2
Record details of your headaches for at least three months to identify patterns and triggers. For each headache, document the date and time it starts, duration, location and character--throbbing, pounding, splitting, blinding or stabbing. Record associated symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, aura, sensitivity to light or sensitivity to noise. Assign a rating scale for the severity of the headaches, from mild to incapacitating.
Step 3
Identify possible headache triggers by documenting what you were doing before the headache started. Possible triggers include exposure to smoke, noise, stress, changes in temperature, bright lights or other irritants. Skipping a meal, sleeping too little, starting a menstrual period, becoming dehydrated or arguing with a loved one can also trigger migraine headaches.
Step 4
Record any symptoms that might be considered an aura or warning that a migraine was about to begin. An aura may occur a few minutes before the headache begins or as early as 24 hours beforehand. A typical aura involves both eyes and may manifest as blurred vision, eye pain, seeing stars or zigzag lines, a blind spot or tunnel vision.
Step 5
Document what you do to relieve the symptoms--resting, medications, eliminating triggers or lifestyle changes--and your body's response.
Step 6
Discuss your findings with your health care provider to determine if you might benefit from preventive medication or other treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Foods that may trigger migraine headaches include processed foods, baked goods, dairy food, nuts, onions, peanut butter, chocolate, certain fruits and additives such as tyramine, nitrates and monosodium glutamate, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other triggers may include alcohol, allergies, odors, hormonal changes or exercise. If you use a web-based diary or a spreadsheet, plan an alternate recording method for headaches that occur when you are away from your computer.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience a sudden, severe headache that is worse than any headache you have had before in your life, as it may be a symptom of a ruptured aneurysm or hemorrhage.
Things You'll Need
- Journal or diary
- Pen
