Headache Toolkit

Headache Explainer Comic

Using strong visual images, this comic breaks down the basics of headaches. From the sources to the solutions, you’ll get a overview of how headaches work, and what you can do to feel better. It’s a great introduction to the rest of our headache tools and resources.

Headache Diary

Getting a correct diagnosis and the best treatment plan depends on understanding the details of your headache experience. When symptoms and patterns are clear, it’s easier to find ways to help you feel better. This worksheet helps you track your experience so you can:

1. Better understand yourself
2. Have a more productive conversation when you see a medical provider

Headache History Form

Since headaches often run in families, it helps to know who else gets them, what those headaches are like, and which treatments have (or haven’t) worked. Tracking this information provides valuable clues for your provider and makes it easier to create the best treatment plan.

Headache Symptom Checklist

Accurately describing your headache experience is essential for figuring out what type of headaches you have (tension, migraine, etc.) and what treatments could be most helpful. This checklist breaks down your pain into the key details your provider needs to help you.

What Kind of Headache Do I Have?

Let’s get technical! This handout translates the clinical criteria for migraines and tension headaches (from the International Classification of Headache Disorders) into clear, everyday language—so you can understand exactly what doctors look for.

Prevention and Rescue Strategy Overview

With headaches, it’s all about prevention. Research shows that many strategies can improve headaches and keep them from taking hold. A good plan of action increases your chances of success. This overview breaks down the options so you can understand what to include in your plan.

Action Plan Cheat Sheet

Now that you know the many things you can do to help yourself feel better, it’s time to think about your own plan. What does that actually look like? This “cheat sheet” gives you examples of goals you can use as inspiration—or borrow directly—to build your own strategy.

Prevention Action Plan

Now it’s your turn! This worksheet helps you and your medical team set a few prevention goals that can have the biggest impact. Bring it to each appointment so you can track progress and create new goals as things improve.

Rescue Action Plan

When a headache starts, quick action matters. This worksheet helps you outline your best plan for relief—medications recommended by your doctor and other strategies that work for you. Fill it out with your provider so everyone is on the same page.

Appendix: Sample School Note

A good game plan also means having a plan for school. Schools often require documentation from a medical provider to support accommodations. This sample note shows the kind of letter your doctor can provide to help your child manage headaches at school.

Do you need help with headaches right away?

All of this lives in one place: the What the Heck Guide for headaches. Your step-by-step guide for what to do about your child’s headaches—when to worry, when to wait, and what actually helps.