The short version

  • The Migraine Trust says a headache diary can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
  • It can also show whether acute or preventive medication is working.
  • Bring dates, duration, severity, symptoms, medicines, side effects and your questions.

Six things to have with you

The first five come from the diary list by The Migraine Trust. The last one is our own addition:

  • Dates of your attacks and how long each one lasted
  • How severe each one was
  • Other symptoms that came with the headache
  • Every medicine you took, including second doses
  • Any side effects
  • The questions you want to ask

Questions worth considering

The NHS says you may have to try a combination of treatments before you find something that works. Treatment can include painkillers, triptans and gepants for attacks, and options to help prevent them. Our suggestion is to ask what the options are for your pattern of attacks, and what you should record next time.

If you get attacks around your period

The NHS lists regularly getting migraine before or during your period as a reason to see a GP. If this applies to you, include your cycle in your notes.

From the makers of this guide

Migraine Diary - Headache Log

Our app keeps your attack history in a calendar and exports a report you can bring to the appointment.

View in the App Store Compare 3 options

We make this app, so we are not a neutral source. Free download with optional in-app purchases. Requires iOS 15.1 or later. The comparison shows two other approaches, so you can choose for yourself.

When to get medical help

The NHS says to see a GP if attacks are severe, getting worse or lasting longer than usual, if you have them more than once a week, or if they are hard to control. Ask for urgent advice if an attack has lasted longer than 72 hours or aura lasts longer than 1 hour at a time.

Call emergency services (999 in the UK, 911 in the US) for:

  • a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
  • problems speaking or remembering things
  • loss of vision, or blurred or double vision
  • drowsiness, confusion or a seizure
  • weakness in the arms or legs on one side, or on one side of the face
  • a recent head injury

This article is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

Sources