Track your auras
Migraine auras can be visual, sensory, or even affect speech. Because they are often fleeting, logging them immediately is the only way to build an accurate picture of your neurological health.
Why track this symptom?
- Identify the exact timing between an aura and the ensuing pain.
- Track the frequency of 'silent' migraines (aura without pain).
- Note which types of visual or sensory changes occur most often.
How Trace helps
Auras can be frightening. Trace turns a scary neurological event into a simple data point. By logging your auras, you gain a sense of control and a detailed record to share with your neurologist.
Common causes
Migraine auras result from cortical spreading depression, a wave of electrical activity moving across the brain's surface, typically affecting visual processing areas first. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, commonly trigger auras. Stress, sleep disruption, bright lights, and certain foods can initiate the neurological cascade leading to aura symptoms. Some medications, including nitroglycerin and hormonal contraceptives, can increase aura frequency in susceptible individuals.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency evaluation if you experience your first aura after age 50, auras lasting over one hour, or weakness/numbness on one side of the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I track about migraine auras?
Log what you see or feel (visual disturbances, numbness, speech changes), duration of each phase, whether a headache follows, any triggers you identify, and timing relative to your cycle or stress levels.
Why is tracking auras important?
Aura tracking helps your neurologist distinguish migraine with aura from other neurological events. Duration, progression pattern, and frequency data guide treatment decisions including preventive medication choices.
When should I seek urgent care for aura symptoms?
Seek immediate care if an aura lasts longer than 60 minutes, occurs for the first time, is accompanied by weakness on one side, or if symptoms are different from your usual pattern. These could indicate a more serious neurological event.
Should I try to track auras while they're happening or wait until they're over?
If possible, make brief notes during the aura about what you're experiencing, as memory can be unreliable afterward. Use voice recording if visual symptoms make typing difficult. Complete detailed logging immediately after the aura ends while the experience is still clear in your memory.
How can I use aura tracking to prevent full migraine episodes?
Track what you do when you first notice aura symptoms and whether it affects the subsequent headache. Many find that immediate rest, hydration, or rescue medications during the aura phase can reduce headache severity. Share this response data with your neurologist to optimize your early intervention strategy.
Read the complete guide: How to Track Aura: A Complete Guide →