Take a warm bath or shower. Put a cold or warm washcloth over the area that aches. Use the one that feels better. Or, put an ice pack on the top of the head if this brings relief. Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium right away.
Painkillers work best when the headache starts.
Try thinking of a calm, happy place. Breathe slowly and deeply. American Institute for Preventive Medicine. 2001 Partners in Corporate Health, Inc.