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Headache Dairy

At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we encourage our patients to use a headache diary as part of their care. A diary is a simple but powerful tool that helps you and your healthcare team better understand your headaches and make more informed treatment decisions.

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Why keep a headache diary?

Keeping track of your headaches can help:

  • Spot patterns – such as whether your pain is triggered by stress, sleep changes, hormones, or certain foods.

  • Track frequency and severity – so you can see if treatments are helping.

  • Identify warning signs – like aura, light or sound sensitivity, or neck tension.

  • Guide your treatment plan – by giving your provider accurate details that memory alone may miss.

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What to record

A diary doesn’t have to be complicated. Helpful details may include:

  • Date and time the headache started.

  • Duration – how long the pain lasted.

  • Pain severity on a 1–10 scale.

  • Location of pain (temple, forehead, back of head, one side or both).

  • Other symptoms – nausea, dizziness, light or sound sensitivity, vision changes, jaw pain.

  • Medications or therapies used – such as ibuprofen, triptans, or relaxation techniques.

  • Possible triggers – like stress, missed meals, caffeine, sleep changes, posture, or menstrual cycle.

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Headache Diary Template

We recommend the Headache Diary developed by The Migraine Trust. This trusted resource provides a ready-to-use monthly chart where you can easily record your symptoms.

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Important note: This diary is developed by The Migraine Trust and is shared here for patient convenience. Our clinic does not claim authorship or copyright. The diary is intended as an educational tool to help track symptoms and should not replace professional medical advice. Always review your entries with your healthcare provider to guide diagnosis and treatment.

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