Follow these tips to help ease and shorten the headache's length

While in the throes of a migraine, it doesn't matter to you which kind of migraine you have, or what triggers it. What matters is getting fast relief. If you've had a migraine episode before, you know what precedes it, so you know what to expect. If you know a migraine is coming, following these tips may help ease the pain and shorten the length of the headache:

• Use an over-the-counter medicine such as Excedrin Migraine, Extra Strength Tylenol, or Aleve.
• Lie down in a quiet, dark room.
• Apply a cold washcloth to your head.
• Drink a soda containing caffeine, or a cup of strong caffeinated coffee.
• Use relaxing massage techniques and gently massage your head, neck, face, and shoulders.
• If your doctor has prescribed drug therapy, take the recommended dosage at the onset of your migraine.