Medical Articles
Keep a Headache Diary
08.11.2026
If you experience nausea when you have a headache or find that over-the-counter pain relievers are no longer effective, you may be one of the many people who struggle with migraines on a regular basis. Although the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, both environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role.
In Japan, migraines are reported to affect approximately 8.4% of people aged 15 and older. They are also more common in women than in men. The higher prevalence of migraines among women is thought to be strongly associated with female hormones. Women also tend to experience longer-lasting headaches than men. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that can completely cure migraines. However, appropriate self-care and medication can help control the symptoms. Migraine symptoms may also become less severe with age.
One useful way to manage migraines is to keep a headache diary. Record when the headache occurred, what the pain felt like and how long it lasted, how severe it was and where you felt it, any accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, what medication you took and how effective it was, as well as what and how much you ate. You should also note anything that you think may have triggered the headache, such as events, going out, or changes in the weather. Today, there are also smartphone apps that make it easy to keep track of your headaches. Keeping a headache diary can help you identify patterns that you may not have noticed yourself—for example, getting a headache the day before it rains or only experiencing headaches when you are sleep-deprived. Sharing your diary with your doctor can also provide useful information for diagnosis and treatment.
As a general guideline, you should consider seeing a doctor if you have been taking over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches two or more days a week for three months or longer. This is only a general guideline, however. If you experience a severe headache or have repeated headaches accompanied by nausea or vomiting, do not simply assume that it is “just a headache.” Seek medical attention promptly.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.