You are about to leave Excedrin.com.

Clicking on this link means that you have chosen to leave our website. While we believe that the website which you have selected to visit may be of interest to you, it is an independent web site which is not under our control. As a result, we do not endorse its content and we have no responsibility for its content or privacy practices.

If you do not wish to leave this site, click Cancel.

Or, click OK to continue.

What To Track in A Migraine Diary

Learn how to track potential patterns in your migraines from Excedrin.

One of the most important tools you can use to help manage your migraines is a migraine diary. This record, if accurate, can help you and your doctor monitor the frequency, duration and severity of your migraines over time, identify patterns that may help determine migraine triggers and improve treatment, as well as track medication use and how you responded to the medication.

Time of Day, Duration and Severity

Did the migraine come on shortly after waking up? Were you fast asleep and jolted awake by the headache? Or maybe you tend to get the migraines after lunch. How long did the pain last? Was the pain mild, moderate, or severe? You should also track where you felt the pain and how you treated it.

Couple smiles while cooking in a kitchen

Save on Excedrin

Get printable coupons and special offers to save on Excedrin.

Get coupons

Diet

A variety of foods may serve as a trigger in some people. Highly processed foods such as hot dogs and lunch meats as well as aged cheeses and soy products may be a trigger for some. Skipping meals and dehydration are other commonly reported migraine triggers. By noting in your diary what you ate that day and how much, you may notice that migraines tend to come on after eating a specific food, which you can then know to avoid in the future.

Stress

Stress is the most common migraine trigger.

Sleep Patterns

If you’ve noticed that migraines tend to come on days where you haven’t gotten enough sleep during the night or days leading up to it, that’s a pattern you’ll want to note in your diary.

Menstrual Cycle

You should note each day you have your period, not just the first day. This can allow you and your doctor to see if your migraines occur at the same or similar time as your period.

Understanding your potential triggers can help you better manage your migraines in the future. Click here to download a headache diary.

More from Excedrin

Woman getting a massage to relieve headache pain

Could Positive Touch Help With Headache Pain?

Migraine Headache Symptoms

How Stress Contributes to Headaches

PM-US-XCDRN-22-00121, PM-US-XCDRN-22-00170, PM-US-XCDRN-24-00070

Haleon Huddle unlocks exclusive savings on brands including Excedrin, Advil, Sensodyne and more.

*indicates required field.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) collecting my Consumer Health Data. Continue reading...I understand that my Consumer Health Data may be used by Haleon as described in our Washington Consumer Health Data Notice, where I can find the categories of data collected, the purposes of collection, and with whom we may share your information. I understand that if I choose not to consent to Haleon’s collection of my Consumer Health Data, I may not be able to receive certain marketing or informational materials or other forms of communication directly from Haleon or participate in surveys and focus groups. I further understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) sharing my Consumer Health Data with third parties Continue reading... as described in the Washington Consumer Health Data Notice. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

By signing up for Haleon newsletters, you are certifying you are 18 years of age and older.