Migraines are severe, debilitating headaches that can cause some peoples live to virtually stop once an attack begins. However, there are some basic things that every migraine-sufferer should know that will help them to lessen the amount of triggers that cause their migraines and manage their symptoms once an attack begins.
How Should You Use a Headache Journal?
Keeping a headache journal is one great way that you can identify your most common headache triggers and it will often lead to an effective treatment. Many such common triggers include certain foods, stressful events, interruptions in your sleep patterns, or strenuous physical activities. When you take your headache journal to your doctor’s appointment, your doctor will be able to see your headache history and make a note of any specific patterns to your headaches.
Consider the following while filling out your headache journal:
• When did the headache begin? (Specific date, time, etc.)
• How long did the headache last? (Sixty minutes, two days, constant, intermittent etc.)
• How often do you get headaches? (Once a week, once a month, etc.)
• Do they occur at the same time every day? If so, when? (Specific time of day or night)
• If you are a woman, do you get headaches before or near menstruation? (If so, note which day of your menstrual cycle that your headaches begin.)
• How would you describe your headache? (throbbing, steady and constant, pounding, stabbing, or splitting pain)
• Is the pain on only one side of your head or all over? (If only one side, note which one.)
• Have you been exposed to known headache triggers that could be linked to the onset of your headache? (Caffeine, chocolate, strenuous activity, alcohol, processed foods, diet soda, artificial sweeteners, etc.)
• Do you experience any recognizable symptoms before the headache starts, such as fatigue, yawning, excitability, or high energy?
• Do you have any visual disturbances (seeing flashes or sparks of light, wavy lines, or blind spots) before the headache occurs?
• Do you have any nasal symptoms or congestion with your headaches?
• Do you have a family history of headaches? If so, what kind?
Tags: aura, cause of migraines, enlarged blood vessels, genetics, Hormonal, menstration, migraine, migraine triggers, stress, Weather
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