💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Aiding Migraine. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.

🔒 Privacy & Data

Is my data private?

Yes, completely. All your migraine entries, analytics, and personal health information are stored exclusively on your device using browser local storage. This data never leaves your device and is never transmitted to our servers.

Where is my data stored?

Your migraine tracking data is stored in your browser's local storage on your device. The only information sent to our servers is:

• Your notification preferences (time, timezone, enabled/disabled status)
• An anonymous push notification subscription token

No personally identifiable information or health data is ever transmitted.

Can I delete my data?

Yes, at any time. To delete all your data:

1. Go to Settings in the app
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Clear All Data"
3. Confirm the deletion

This will permanently remove all migraine entries, settings, and analytics from your device. This action cannot be undone, so export your data first if you want a backup.

Do you sell my data?

Absolutely not. We don't collect your health data in the first place, so there's nothing to sell. Aiding Migraine is a privacy-first application built to help people track migraines without compromising their personal health information.

Can someone else see my migraine data?

Only if they have physical access to your device. Your data is stored locally on your phone/computer. Standard security practices:

• Keep your device locked with a passcode/biometric
• Don't share your device login with others
• Enable auto-lock on your device

💻 Technical

Does this work offline?

Yes! Once installed, Aiding Migraine works completely offline. You can:

• Log migraines without internet
• View your calendar and analytics
• Export PDF reports
• Access all features

Note: You need internet connection for:

• Initial installation
• Receiving push notifications
• App updates

Can I use it on multiple devices?

Currently, no. Because data is stored locally on each device, your migraine log won't sync between devices. This is by design for privacy - no cloud storage means no data transmission.

Workaround: You can export your PDF report from one device and use it as a reference, but active tracking should be done on one primary device.

Future feature: We're exploring optional Google Drive sync for users who want cross-device access while maintaining privacy.

What browsers are supported?

Aiding Migraine works best in modern browsers:

Why do I need to install on iOS?

iOS requires web apps to be installed to the home screen (as a Progressive Web App) to access advanced features like:

• Push notifications
• Offline functionality
• Full-screen app experience

This is an Apple limitation, not a choice we made. See our iOS Notification Setup Guide for installation instructions.

How much storage does it use?

Aiding Migraine is extremely lightweight:

• App size: ~500 KB - 1 MB
• Data storage: Minimal (a few KB even with years of entries)
• Total footprint: Less than most photos on your phone

📝 Tracking

How do I log a multi-day migraine?

If your migraine lasts across multiple calendar days:

1. Tap the date when the migraine started
2. Enter the start time
3. Select severity (mild, moderate, severe)
4. Enter the total duration (e.g., "48 hours" or "72 hours")
5. Save the entry

The app will automatically count each calendar day as a separate migraine day. For example, a migraine from Monday 11 PM to Wednesday 3 AM counts as 3 migraine days (Mon, Tue, Wed) - which is clinically accurate.

Can I edit past entries?

Currently, no. To modify a past entry:

1. Tap the date on the calendar
2. Delete the existing entry
3. Create a new entry with corrected information

Future feature: We're working on adding an edit function to simplify corrections.

What if I miss a day?

Don't worry! You can log past days at any time:

1. Use the calendar navigation arrows to go back in time
2. Tap the missed date
3. Log whether you had a migraine or not

Tip: Enable daily reminders in Settings to avoid missing days in the future.

Can I track multiple migraines per day?

Currently, no. The app is designed around the clinical standard of counting "migraine days" rather than individual attacks. If you have multiple distinct migraines in one day (rare, but possible), log the most severe one or the longest duration.

Clinically, what matters most is the total number of days affected by migraine per month, not the number of individual attacks.

What's the difference between "mild," "moderate," and "severe"?

Use these guidelines:

🔔 Notifications

Why aren't my notifications working?

Troubleshooting steps:

For iOS:

1. Verify installation: Must be installed to home screen (not just Safari)
2. Check permissions: Settings → Notifications → Aiding Migraine → Allow Notifications ON
3. Check Focus modes: Do Not Disturb or Focus modes block notifications
4. Re-enable in app: Toggle notifications off and on in app Settings

See our detailed iOS Notification Setup Guide for more help.

For Android/Desktop:

1. Browser permissions: Allow notifications when prompted
2. System settings: Check device notification settings
3. Do Not Disturb: Make sure DND mode is off

Can I change notification times?

Yes! Go to Settings → Daily Check-In Time → select your new preferred time. Changes take effect immediately for tomorrow's notification.

How do I disable notifications?

Two ways:

1. In the app: Settings → Toggle off "Daily Check-In" and "Post-Attack Reminders"
2. Device settings: iOS: Settings → Notifications → Aiding Migraine → Toggle off

Do notifications work offline?

No. Push notifications require an internet connection to be delivered. However:

• The app works completely offline for logging and viewing data
• Notifications will resume when you reconnect to internet
• You don't need to be actively using the app to receive notifications

Why do notifications sometimes arrive late?

This is normal, especially on iOS. Mobile operating systems manage background tasks aggressively to save battery. Notifications might arrive a few minutes late if:

• Device is in Low Power Mode
• Many apps are sending notifications
• Internet connection is weak
• Device is under heavy use

Expect delivery within 5-15 minutes of scheduled time. This is an OS limitation, not an app bug.

📄 Export

What format is the export?

Aiding Migraine exports data as a PDF report, which includes:

• Summary of migraine days by month
• Clinical classification (episodic vs. chronic)
• Severity distribution breakdown
• Attack frequency patterns
• Clinical interpretations and recommendations

The PDF is formatted for easy sharing with healthcare providers.

What data is included in the export?

The PDF export includes:

• Date range of the report
• Total migraine days
• Monthly breakdown
• Severity percentages
• Clinical status (episodic/chronic)
• Key metrics doctors need

Not included: Individual entry-by-entry details (this keeps the report concise and doctor-friendly).

Can I import data from another app?

Not currently. Aiding Migraine doesn't have a data import feature. If you're switching from another tracker:

• Start fresh with Aiding Migraine
• Keep your old app's export for historical reference
• Track for 3 months to establish patterns

Future feature: CSV import is on our roadmap.

How do I share my report with my doctor?

After exporting the PDF:

1. Email: Send to yourself or your doctor directly
2. Print: Print from your device and bring to appointment
3. Patient portal: Upload to your healthcare provider's patient portal
4. Show on device: Open the PDF during your appointment

Tip: Export 1-2 days before your appointment so you have time to review it yourself first.

🆘 Support

How do I report a bug?

Found something not working right? Report it:

1. GitHub Issues: Create an issue with details
2. Email: support@aidingmigraine.com with:
   • What you were trying to do
   • What happened instead
   • Your device and browser
   • Screenshots if possible

Can I request a feature?

Yes! We welcome feature requests:

• GitHub: Open a feature request issue
• Email: Send us your ideas

We especially value feedback from people who actually live with migraines, since this app is built by and for the migraine community.

Is there a user community?

Not yet! We're a small team focused on building the best migraine tracking tool possible. As we grow, we'd love to create:

• User forum for sharing tips
• Discord or Slack community
• Beta testing group

Interested in being part of this? Let us know!

How do I contact support?

We're here to help:

• Email: support@aidingmigraine.com
• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features
• Response time: Usually within 24-48 hours

♿ Accessibility

Does this app support reduced motion preferences?

Yes! Aiding Migraine respects your device's motion settings:

• iOS: Settings → Accessibility → Motion → Reduce Motion
• Android: Settings → Accessibility → Remove animations
• Desktop: System accessibility preferences

When enabled, all animations (page transitions, pulse effects, chart animations) are automatically disabled or significantly reduced. This is especially important for users with photosensitivity, vestibular disorders, or motion-triggered migraines.

What accessibility features does the app include?

Aiding Migraine was designed with migraine sufferers in mind:

• Dark mode by default - reduces blue light exposure and eye strain
• Muted color palette - soft greens, no harsh bright colors that trigger migraines
• High contrast text - easy to read even during an attack
• Large touch targets - easier to tap when experiencing hand tremors
• System fonts - clean, readable typography
• Offline functionality - works without internet connection
• Simple interface - minimal cognitive load during pain episodes
• No flashing elements - prevents photosensitive seizures and migraine triggers

Can I increase the font size?

Yes! The app respects your device's text size settings:

• iOS: Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size
• Android: Settings → Display → Font size
• Desktop: Use browser zoom (Ctrl/Cmd + or -)

The app layout adjusts automatically to larger text sizes.

Is the app compatible with screen readers?

Basic screen reader support is available. The app works with VoiceOver (iOS/Mac) and TalkBack (Android). We're continually improving accessibility - if you encounter issues, please let us know.

Why is dark mode the default?

Research shows that people with migraines are hypersensitive to blue light (around 480nm wavelength). Dark mode:

• Reduces blue light exposure from screens
• Lowers overall brightness
• Is easier on the eyes during photophobic episodes
• May help prevent photophobia-triggered attacks

You can switch to light mode if preferred - the app follows your system's color scheme setting.

☁️ Weather Tracking

What is weather tracking?

Barometric pressure tracking (optional feature). Research shows that 15-20% of migraine sufferers are sensitive to atmospheric pressure changes. Aiding Migraine can track local pressure and correlate it with your migraine patterns.

How do I enable weather tracking?

Go to Settings → Weather Tracking:

1. Toggle on "Enable Weather Tracking"
2. Enter your location (ZIP code or city name)
3. Tap "Save"

The app will display current pressure conditions when you log migraines and show weather correlation in Analytics.

What does "significant pressure change" mean?

Changes greater than 5 hPa (hectopascals) in 24 hours. This threshold is based on migraine research and is considered clinically significant for pressure-sensitive individuals.

• Rising rapidly (↑): Pressure increased >5 hPa in 24 hours
• Falling rapidly (↓): Pressure decreased >5 hPa in 24 hours
• Stable (→): Pressure change within ±2 hPa

How do I interpret the weather correlation?

The Analytics page shows your personal weather correlation:

• Strong (≥70%): High weather sensitivity - most significant pressure changes coincide with migraines
• Moderate (40-70%): Possible weather sensitivity - worth monitoring
• Weak (<40%): Low weather sensitivity - other triggers may be more relevant

Important: Correlation requires at least 7 days of data. The more data you have, the more accurate the correlation becomes.

Is my location data private?

Yes, completely private. Your location is:

• Stored only on your device (localStorage)
• Never sent to our servers
• Only used to fetch weather data from a free, public weather API (Open-Meteo)
• You can disable weather tracking anytime to delete all weather data

Does weather tracking use GPS?

No. You manually enter your location (ZIP code or city name). We don't access your device's GPS to preserve your privacy.

What if I'm not weather-sensitive?

You don't need to use this feature! Weather tracking is completely optional. If the correlation is weak, that's valuable information too - it tells you to focus on other potential triggers.

📱 Updates & Features

How do I update the app?

Aiding Migraine updates automatically! When a new version is available:

1. You'll see an "Update Available" banner at the top of the app
2. Tap "Update Now"
3. The app will reload with the latest version

Your data is preserved during updates.

What features are coming next?

Our roadmap includes:

• Structured symptom tracking (nausea, aura, photophobia, phonophobia)
• Medication tracking improvements (frequency analysis, MOH detection)
• Trigger pattern detection (multi-factor analysis)
• Cloud sync via Google Drive (optional, privacy-preserving)
• Entry editing (fix mistakes without deleting)
• CSV import/export

Priorities can shift based on user feedback!

Is this app free?

Yes, completely free. No subscriptions, no ads, no in-app purchases, no premium tiers. We built Aiding Migraine to help people, not to monetize suffering.

Why is it free? What's the catch?

No catch. This app was built by someone who lives with migraines and was frustrated by existing tracking options. It's a passion project to help the migraine community.

The app is open source, meaning the code is publicly available for anyone to review, contribute to, or learn from.