Direct answer: Aura is a neurological symptom phase (often visual or sensory) that can appear before, during, or without headache pain. Distinguishing aura timing from pain timing improves diagnosis and treatment planning.
Key Takeaways
- Aura symptoms are neurological, often transient, and time-bound.
- Headache phase and aura phase are related but distinct.
- Timing details are clinically useful and should be logged.
- Share structured data during appointments using doctor exports.
Aura vs Headache Comparison
| Dimension | Aura | Headache phase |
|---|---|---|
| Typical duration | Minutes to about an hour | Hours to days |
| Common features | Visual/sensory/language symptoms | Pain, nausea, sensory sensitivity |
| Clinical value of timing | High | High |
What to Record in Your Diary
- Aura start and stop time
- Symptom type (visual, sensory, speech)
- Headache start time relative to aura
- Medication timing and response
Related: headache diary structure, report preparation, and download HeadYogi.