As of: February 29, 2024, 11:30 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Headaches can be very stressful.
In order to know what could be the reason for this, it helps to regularly document the pain phases.
Dull, stabbing, throbbing, pulling, wave-like, in spurts – there are many descriptions of headaches.
In addition to back pain, they are the most common form of pain in the body.
According to the
Techniker Krankenkasse,
in Germany alone, over 70 percent of the population, around 54 million people, are regularly affected by temporary or persistent headaches, which is why some of those affected have to take sick leave.
Doctors distinguish up to 165 different types of headaches - the most common and best-known types include tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraines with certain precursors.
An accurate diagnosis is crucial in order to help the patient efficiently.
How a headache diary or calendar and an app can help.
LMU senior doctor reveals: Everyday routine helps against headaches
To avoid headaches as best as possible, Dr.
Stefanie Förderreuter maintains a regular daily routine.
What triggers the headache?
Journaling can help
There are many reasons for headaches, as well as triggers.
A headache calendar can help identify possible triggers.
© jm_video/Imago
In a headache diary, those affected and patients usually write down:
Time of complaints
Frequency of pain
type of headache
Duration of pain
Pain intensity
Harbingers, i.e. symptoms that precede the headache
Possible triggers
Accompanying symptoms, such as watery eyes or stuffy nose
Therapy or medication, if administered
By evaluating this diary in combination with a physical examination, the doctor is able to make the diagnosis in most cases.
According to the German Pain League
, complex examinations are only necessary in rare cases .
v.
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The diary to document the headache can not only help with the diagnosis, but it also makes it easier to narrow down possible triggers for the pain.
This is particularly helpful for patients affected by a migraine in order to be able to avoid the triggers of the attack.
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Migraine triggers
It can take some time for those affected to find out what their possible “triggers” are for headaches such as a migraine, which can increase the level of suffering.
Possible reasons for a pain attack can include changes in the weather, stress, physical activity, excessive sensory stimulation from noises and smells.
Detecting headaches: all the necessary information in one app
To determine pain triggers and to plan and monitor treatment, a headache calendar is extremely helpful and in many cases even necessary.
In order to enable those affected to properly document their headaches, the
German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG)
provides a free app in which entries such as symptoms can be easily entered and displayed and downloaded for consultations with doctors.
Migraines: who is affected
According to the German Migraine and Headache Society,
migraines are
V.
(
DMKG)
is a severe form of headache that affects around 15 to 20 percent of the population in Germany.
The disease can occur in childhood.
Before puberty, boys and girls are affected about equally often, while after puberty women are up to three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men.
Migraines most often develop between the ages of 20 and 30 and can become most severe between the ages of 40 and 50.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.