Find a calm environment

At the first sign of a migraine, take a break and step away from whatever you're doing if possible.

• Turn off the lights. Light and sound can make migraine pain worse. Relax in a dark, quiet room. Sleep if you can.
• Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles. Warm showers or baths may have a similar effect.

• Sip a caffeinated drink. In small amounts, caffeine alone can relieve migraine pain in the early stages. Caffeine also may enhance the pain-reducing effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and aspirin.

  Be careful, however. Drinking too much caffeine too often can lead to withdrawal headaches later on. And having caffeine too late in the day may interfere with sleep, which can affect migraines.