More Headache Technology (for iPhone and iPhone Touch)

Blakely Long from BetterQOL (Better Quality of Life) recently gave me a heads up about a new app for your iPhone that is basically another headache diary.  BetterQOL, Inc provides web based resources and tools related to the health industry.

I said it’s "basically another headache diary", but that’s probably a disservice.  This is actually a pretty slick app, and I think it could help a lot of patients if they’re willing to use it.

iHeadache was developed by neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Brian D. Loftus (I’ve read some of Dr. Loftus’ work before, such as what he’s written on orgasm headache).  The nice thing about iHeadache is that it goes far beyond just telling you how many headaches you’ve had in a month.

For example, it uses International Headache Society criteria to give you an idea what type of headache or migraine you’re having (not every type, but some of the more common ones).  It does this by checking the quick, yes or no questions you answer and other easy information you enter at the time of the attack.

Also, it uses the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS scale) to give you an idea just how disabled you are.  Using these well recognized systems will help you and your doctor get started on recognizing where you’re at and starting treatment – much better than coming to your doctor and simply saying,"Um, I’ve been getting some headaches doc…"

There’s much more.  You list the medications you take, and so are able to see if they’re helping or if you’re getting in the danger zone of taking too many.  You can even enter medications that are being taken for other conditions, but may also impact your migraine attacks.

I won’t go into all the details of the app.  I haven’t tried it myself, though I have gone through the website and help manual to get an idea how it works.

I’ll say this – I’m impressed with the flexibility and depth of what is still a fairly simple, easy to use application.  Of course, nothing is every quite comprehensive and flexible enough.  But as long as you realize that every diary, electronic or paper, has its limitations, and will never replace a talk with your doctor, I think this could really help a lot of people at least start getting a handle on where their symptoms are at.

The beauty of it really is that, in the end, it generates reports so that you can see summaries of what’s going on, which will give you overviews that are much more objective than you would get otherwise.

You can read more about the iHeadache app here, or you can purchase it for yourself at the Apple app store.

By the way, if you’ve already used the iHeadache app, please leave a comment and tell us your impressions.