Keeping a headache diary for at least two months may help identify situations where headache/migraine occurs, and also help establish if there are any particular patterns in the frequency, duration, severity or type of symptoms.11

Triggers can include:

·      stress or decreased stress (eg ‘weekend’ migraines after the pressure of the working week is lifted)

·      hormonal changes (eg menstruation)

·      altered sleep patterns/jet lag

·      specific foods

·      dehydration/hunger

·      sensory stimuli (eg strong smells/light)

·      vigorous exercise.

Identifying and avoiding/managing potential triggers is often the best approach for a migraine sufferer. However, sometimes there is no obvious trigger, or there are several which can then be difficult to avoid collectively. Note that NICE warns: “Too much effort in identifying triggers can cause introspection and be counterproductive.”