Sharing with Your Doctor
Now that you have all this information, it's time to share it. Your headache diary can supply your doctor with a wealth of information on the circumstances surrounding your headaches, information that is key to providing a correct diagnosis and recommending effective treatment.
Your doctor may suggest that you continue to maintain your headache diary after initial diagnosis and treatment. It's also useful in tracking your progress, determining if medications and lifestyle changes are helping you, and giving your doctor the information he needs to make adjustments to medications.
If you're headed to your first appointment for evaluation of your headache, let the doctor's office know you are bringing in a headache diary that you want to review with the provider so that appropriate time is allotted. You can also request that your doctor review your diary prior to an appointment if her schedule permits so that you can spend your time together discussing the findings.
If you've noticed patterns in your headaches, share your thoughts with your doctor. But remember to go into your appointment with an open mind. Having preconceived notions about the cause of your headaches can make diagnosis more difficult if you aren't open to hearing what your doctor has to say. Remember that you can always seek out a second opinion from another physician to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Living with chronic head pain has an undeniable impact on your lifestyle. Your doctor should talk to you about what your day-to-day work and home life are like and how headache interferes with these activities. One of the factors in determining appropriate treatment is making sure it fits your lifestyle. For example, if you have to spend a lot of time driving for your job, your doctor may avoid certain drugs that could impair concentration.
Another important function of your headache diary is to help your doctor assess the impact your headache disorder is having on your quality of life. That's why it's important to note when a severe headache keeps you home from work or school or prevents you from taking part in daily activities.
In some cases, your lifestyle may be contributing to your migraines. Shift work that disrupts sleep patterns, jobs that require being around solvents or chemicals, or bartending and waitress work in a smoke-filled environment are all possible scenarios that could trigger migraines.
Make sure your doctor knows about all dietary and herbal supplements you take. Even “natural” remedies can interact with prescription drugs or lessen their efficacy. They may also be a migraine trigger for you, so it's important to note their use to uncover any association.
