You may find that one day you can drink a lot of alcohol and not experience a headache at all, yet another day just a few glasses will leave you with a pounding head. Anyone who suffers from regular migraines will know how debilitating they can be, and unfortunately, alcohol can be a huge trigger for this condition. Alcohol is responsible for creating a relaxing effect on the blood vessels. In turn, this leads to more blood being able to flow into the brain, which can trigger a migraine.
What Are the Symptoms?
Drinking plenty of water before having a drink should also help ward a cocktail headache off. Research is necessary to determine which remedy is most effective. However, a headache after drinking will usually resolve itself over time. More research is necessary to understand why some people experience particular headaches and others do not.
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Reading labels can help you steer clear of potential headache culprits. As we have discovered from looking at the types of alcohol-induced headaches, you may experience one from as little as three hours after drinking alcohol. Alcohol-related headaches can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who live with migraine. While the exact reasons why alcohol triggers headaches are still not fully understood, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk and enjoy a drink without pain. Most studies point to red wine as a common headache culprit, particularly in people with migraine. These individuals commonly cite wine, especially red wine, as a migraine trigger.
Headaches Doctor Discussion Guide
Opting for lighter-colored liquors like vodka or gin may be a better choice for those prone to alcohol headaches. Certain types of alcohol and ingredients found in alcoholic beverages can act as triggers for headaches. By identifying and avoiding these triggers, you can prevent alcohol headaches from occurring. Additionally, red wine contains sulfites, which are preservatives used to prevent spoilage.
ElectroCore is committed to the safety and care of our patients, providers, and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be helpful in guiding conversations with your doctor about your symptoms. You might have tried some alternative therapies, but did you know about these complementary and integrative treatments? For more information on alternative migraine treatments, visit our Resource Library.
- For pain relief, consider a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen).
- If a doctor has prescribed medication for your chronic migraine and you choose to move forward with that line of treatment, follow instructions carefully.
- Excessive drinking can overwhelm your body and result in severe headaches the following day.
- Caffeine can exacerbate dehydration and increase headache potential.
Limiting alcohol intake and choosing lower-alcohol beverages can help reduce the risk of headaches for those with alcohol intolerance. Alcohol intolerance occurs when your body reacts poorly to alcohol. Some people lack the enzymes needed to break down alcohol efficiently. If you’re among those individuals, even one drink can trigger a headache.
After hours of drinking, you may notice that you visit the bathroom a lot more. Unfortunately, higher blood alcohol levels equal dehydration and a loss of important vitamins, minerals, and salts. While migraine is a common disease that affects 39 million Americans, no two migraine experiences are the same. Symptoms can vary from light Sober living house sensitivity and dizziness to food cravings or body chills.
- Generally, darker drinks and those with higher levels of congeners may pose a greater risk.
- The response to alcohol varies from person to person, and there is no alcohol that absolutely will not cause a migraine or other headache.
- Whether you’re drinking beer, white wine, or something a little bit stronger, like say a whiskey (neat), too much too quickly is likely to give you an alcohol-induced headache.
Alcohol contains various compounds linked to the onset of migraine. These substances can stimulate inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to migraine symptoms. Overall, you must consider the best option for your body and mind and consider other types of non-alcoholic drinks that are better suited to your digestion. Starting the journey towards sobriety and enjoying non-alcoholic drinks are a great place to start. A more recent 2019 study also highlighted histamines as a culprit for migraines.
How Can I Avoid Alcohol-Related Headaches?
Beer-induced headaches can stem from several factors, often related to https://www.alysonoldoiniparfums.com/#!/five-tips-to-help-stay-sober-during-the-holidays the ingredients and consumption patterns. Understanding these causes can help you manage or prevent headaches after enjoying a drink. Some people point the finger for red wine headaches at biogenic amines.
Andrew Waterhouse receives funding from associations supported by wine companies. Look for white wine that is not too sweet and a little on the dry side. Pinot Grigio, chardonnay or sauvignon blanc would be a good place to start and are generally easy to find. Bourbon and why does alcohol give headaches whiskey both have more congeners because they are less heavily distilled which preserves the congeners from the fermented mash.
These headaches cause very intense pain that often primarily affects the area behind one eye. More than half of those who experience cluster headaches say that alcohol is a trigger. A 2015 study suggests that the inactivity of alcohol dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme that helps break down alcohol, might contribute to hangover headaches.
This includes being careful about the amount of alcohol you consume and paying attention to how and when your migraine symptoms flare up in relation to drinking. While anyone can experience DAIH, people with migraine are more susceptible. Even a modest amount of alcohol can cause people with migraine to develop a delayed headache or trigger an attack. The short answer is that while it’s possible for alcohol to cause a migraine attack, it’s often a bit more complicated.