TRIGGERS AND YOUR MIGRAINE DIARY

Transcription

1 COMMON MIGRAINE TRIGGERS AND YOUR MIGRAINE DIARY What is one of the best ways to control your migraines? Identifying and avoiding the triggers that spark the chemical reactions resulting in migraines. Triggers are different for everyone, and sometimes a combination is to blame. See the list of common migraine triggers below and use the journal on the following pages to track your migraines. Food/food additives The National Headache Foundation and American Headache Society cite these more likely food triggers: Aged cheese (such as blue cheese and cheddar) Processed meats with nitrates or nitrites (such as bacon and hot dogs) Monosodium glutamate, or MSG (found in soy sauce, meat tenderizers and seasoned salts) Artificial sweeteners Alcohol (particularly red wine) Coffee, tea and other sources of caffeine Eyestrain Staring too long at computer screens or attempting to read too-small text or reading in low light can be problematic for some people. Dehydration Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help ward off migraines. Odors Cleaning products and perfumes can cause migraines. Food temperature Foods that are very hot (soup or coffee) or very cold (ice cream) can trigger migraines. Changing routine/skipping a meal Keeping a predictable schedule, which includes eating and sleeping, can be helpful to avoid migraines. Glare Light sensitivity is a common problem for migraine sufferers. Hormone changes Women are more sensitive to migraines when estrogen levels drop. Intense exercise During intense exercise, nitric oxide is released into the bloodstream. Nitric oxide can cause nerve irritation. Stress Nerve irritation and inflammation due to hassles such as running late for appointments or working long hours can contribute to migraine flair-up. Cigarette smoke Cigarette smoke can cause nerve irritation, leading to a migraine. A change in temperature Going from hot air to cold (such as being outdoors on a hot summer day and going into an air conditioned room) or vice versa, can trigger a migraine. A change in pressure When the barometric pressure changes, your body s chemical balance may change, contributing to migraine. Page 1 of 8

2 DETAILED MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT DIARY MONTH 1 Part 1: Headache Severity (0 = no pain, 10 = the worst pain you have experienced) MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING Part 2: Headache Duration (Mark with an X how long each headache lasted) LESS THAN 4 HOURS 4 TO 12 HOURS 13 TO 24 HOURS Part 3: Headache Symptoms (Mark with an X any signs or symptoms experienced with each headache) AURA NAUSEA LIGHT SOUND INABILITY TO WORK/FUNCTION THROBBING Part 4: Medication Use (Record the name and dose of medication used, if any) MEDICATION 1 MEDICATION 2 MEDICATION 3 MEDICATION 4 Page 2 of 8 Adapted from the American Headache Society.

3 YOUR WEEKLY MIGRAINE JOURNAL WEEK 1 Use this diary to pinpoint your triggers - and find out how well your treatments are working. DATES SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY What I ate before my headache How much I slept the night before What activities I did that day What was the weather like (include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure) Rate the severity of your pain (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain) Describe the type of pain (Throbbing, band-like) and its location, i,e. in the temples, etc.) Note any other symptoms (nausea, aura, etc.) Treatments (and doses) Note how long it took for you to get relief Page 3 of 8

4 YOUR WEEKLY MIGRAINE JOURNAL WEEK 2 Use this diary to pinpoint your triggers - and find out how well your treatments are working. DATES SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY What I ate before my headache How much I slept the night before What activities I did that day What was the weather like (include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure) Rate the severity of your pain (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain) Describe the type of pain (Throbbing, band-like) and its location, i,e. in the temples, etc.) Note any other symptoms (nausea, aura, etc.) Treatments (and doses) Note how long it took for you to get relief Page 4 of 8

5 YOUR WEEKLY MIGRAINE JOURNAL WEEK 3 Use this diary to pinpoint your triggers - and find out how well your treatments are working. DATES SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY What I ate before my headache How much I slept the night before What activities I did that day What was the weather like (include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure) Rate the severity of your pain (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain) Describe the type of pain (Throbbing, band-like) and its location, i,e. in the temples, etc.) Note any other symptoms (nausea, aura, etc.) Treatments (and doses) Note how long it took for you to get relief Page 5 of 8

6 YOUR WEEKLY MIGRAINE JOURNAL WEEK 4 Use this diary to pinpoint your triggers - and find out how well your treatments are working. DATES SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY What I ate before my headache How much I slept the night before What activities I did that day What was the weather like (include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure) Rate the severity of your pain (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain) Describe the type of pain (Throbbing, band-like) and its location, i,e. in the temples, etc.) Note any other symptoms (nausea, aura, etc.) Treatments (and doses) Note how long it took for you to get relief Page 6 of 8

7 DETAILED MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT DIARY MONTH 2 Part 1: Headache Severity (0 = no pain, 10 = the worst pain you have experienced) MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING Part 2: Headache Duration (Mark with an X how long each headache lasted) LESS THAN 4 HOURS 4 TO 12 HOURS 13 TO 24 HOURS Part 3: Headache Symptoms (Mark with an X any signs or symptoms experienced with each headache) AURA NAUSEA LIGHT SOUND INABILITY TO WORK/FUNCTION THROBBING Part 4: Medication Use (Record the name and dose of medication used, if any) MEDICATION 1 MEDICATION 2 MEDICATION 3 MEDICATION 4 Adapted from the American Headache Society. Page 7 of 8

8 DETAILED MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT DIARY MONTH 3 Part 1: Headache Severity (0 = no pain, 10 = the worst pain you have experienced) MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING Part 2: Headache Duration (Mark with an X how long each headache lasted) LESS THAN 4 HOURS 4 TO 12 HOURS 13 TO 24 HOURS Part 3: Headache Symptoms (Mark with an X any signs or symptoms experienced with each headache) AURA NAUSEA LIGHT SOUND INABILITY TO WORK/FUNCTION THROBBING Part 4: Medication Use (Record the name and dose of medication used, if any) MEDICATION 1 MEDICATION 2 MEDICATION 3 MEDICATION 4 Page 8 of 8 Adapted from the American Headache Society.