Making migraine visible — and clinically meaningful.
Migraine affects nearly one billion people worldwide. We place the lived experience of those affected at the center of our work — connecting subjective experience with objective modelling, and developing digital tools that improve communication, diagnosis, and treatment.
Four core values
Patient-centered
The individual experience is our starting point.
Science-based
Research is the foundation of our actions.
Translational
Translating insights directly into healthcare.
Digitally competent
Using technology effectively for patients.
Who started this
From a simulation to a foundation
A 25-year arc of making the invisible visible — through science, art, and the patient voice.
First online presence
The first scientifically grounded simulation of the migraine aura — developed during Markus Dahlem's PhD in theoretical physics — is published online, making the invisible aura visible to others.
Encouragement from Oliver Sacks
A personal letter from the neurologist and bestselling author acknowledges the work's significance. His patient-centered approach becomes a guiding principle.
The Migraine Art platform expands
A collaboration with Dr. Klaus Podoll brings an extensive archive — building on Derek Robinson's pioneering work from 1973 — into one of the world's most significant digital collections of lived aura experiences.
The Foundation is founded
With a growing network, guestbook, and the Migraine Art section, the Migraine Aura Foundation is officially established — following a dual path of nonprofit education and translational research.
A book and a blog
Migraine Art: The Migraine Experience from Within is published, and the science blog Graue Substanz launches — eventually home to more than 400 posts on migraine physiology.
Literary recognition
In The Shaking Woman, Siri Hustvedt describes how the aura experiences on the foundation's website opened new perspectives on neurological experience.
Loss of a pioneer
The passing of Dr. Klaus Podoll leaves a significant void — a long-time contributor who shaped the platform's content, network, and scientific depth.
Website relaunch
A complete relaunch brings a new design, the return of the blog, and the Aura-o-mat — more modern, interactive, and integrated than ever.
Be part of what comes next
From living with migraine to helping shape future care — share your experience, or collaborate with us on research and digital tools.
Get in touch→