There are many measures you can try to reduce the pain. Some people find relief by applying heat to the area of the head where the pain is most severe. Apply heat in the form of a dry towel warmed in the oven or use a heating pad set on a low setting. Other people gain relief by applying an ice bag wrapped in a towel to the painful area. Lying down in a dark, quiet room at the first sign of an attack may also decrease the pain.
Many people find a relaxation technique helpful when they are lying down.
Concentrate on a soothing thought or image and take slow, deep breaths. Record on a calendar the date of the migraine, the time it started and ended, and the amount of medication you took. Remember bring this record with you on follow-up visits to your health care provider. It will help in your treatment. Medications are needed by some individuals.