(HealthDay News) -- Migraines are severe headaches that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to light and sound.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions for what to do as soon as migraine symptoms begin:

• Promptly take migraine medication that your doctor has prescribed.
• Drink plenty of fluids, as long as you don't feel nauseated.
• Lie down and relax in a room that's quiet and dark.
• Drape a cool cloth across your forehead.
• Gently massage the area of your head that's painful.