What is a Migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a form of extreme vascular headache. When blood vessels in the brain become enlarged, they put pressure on nerve fibers that are coiled the large arteries. This causes chemicals that cause inflammation and pain to be released from the nerves. These chemical releases also make the swelling worse.

What are the symptoms?

• Extremely painful headaches (throbbing or pounding near the eyes and temples)

• Eye pain

• Cold hands and feet

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Visual disturbances

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Sometimes, people with Minor hallucinations

About Triggers

migraines know that things in the environment or psychological issues may bring about migraines. Common examples are:

• Stress

• Lack of sleep

• Hormone changes

• Strong smells (cigarette smoke, fragrances)

• Flickering lights

• Alcohol

• Chocolate

• Nitrites

• Caffeine

• Cheeses

What is a Migraine Aura?

Many migraine headaches have strange visual signs that come before the pain sets in. These auras are often seen as flashing, bright colors and lights that may occur in strange patterns. It may also present as a blind spot.

Other signs a migraine is coming include pins-and-needles sensations, auditory hallucinations, strange tastes and smells, and inexplicable sleepiness or tiredness.

About Migraine Treatment

Common Medical Treatments

• Acetaminophen

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen

• Prednisone

• Triptans

• Ergots

• Midrin

Some treatments are used to reduce the frequency of migraines, but do not help once the headache has begun:

• Anticonvulsants

• Beta blockers

• Calcium-channel blockers

• Tricyclic antidepressants

Home Remedies

Some people prefer home or family remedies as an alternative to medical treatment. Many people turn to these before trying drugs or when drugs prove ineffective.

• Aromatherapy (mint, sandalwood, eucalyptus)

• Exercise (brisk walks daily, jogging, jumping jacks, swimming)

• Massage with essential oils

• Hot and cold patches (on the head, face, and pressure points)

• Sulfur baths

• Magnesium supplements (some evidence links migraines with mineral deficiency)

• Eye pillows (lavender, flax)

Why are drugs often ineffective?

Migraines activate the sympathetic nervous system, which sometimes delays the when the stomach empties into the intestines. This means that oral medications take too long to be absorbed for there to be any effect.

Treating with Tramadol

Medicinal Properties

• Reduces and eliminates pain

• Relaxes muscles

• Reduces anxiety, stress

• Excellent for acute pain

• Helps you sleep off pain

When should you try it?

If you have tried other migraine treatments and have not been satisfied, especially with pain relief or side effects, ask your doctor about Tramadol.

It is one of the most popular prescription drugs for moderate and extreme acute and general pain.

Dosing

Doctors generally start patients on 50 mg doses every 4-6 hours as needed, but move them up to 100 mg if 50 is not enough. 400 mg a day is the maximum allowed.

Doses should be increased and reduced gradually, not abruptly. Every 3 days, it is okay to increase doses by 24 mg, but allow a week to check the effectiveness at every 100 mg interval.

Warnings and Concerns

Never take more than 400 mg a day.

Do not take with alcohol.

Tramadol is less addictive than other opioid painkillers, but long-term should be met with caution.