Alcohol-induced headaches: Evidence for a central mechanism? PMC

These chemicals may also trigger migraine headaches in certain people. The interval between ADs intake and the start of MO is not well determined in many studies. However, it is reported that in 80% of cases, ADs can trigger MA attacks and CH attacks within 3 and 2 h, respectively; consistent with other studies, red wine is the principal alcohol trigger. Even MO induced experimentally by red wine developed for the most part within 3 h. However, all ADs provoke headache and the type of beverage most frequently consumed in a country will probably be the type of ADs most commonly reported to trigger headache.

• You can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Advil or Motrin or Aleve , although when combined with alcohol these can put you at risk of stomach bleeding.
• This is because beer and wine often contain more toxic byproducts from fermentation, such as aldehydes.
• There has been some research into the effect alcohol has in increasing blood flow to certain parts of the brain, but whether this causes or relieves headache symptoms depends largely on the type of headache.
• The type of alcohol being consumed can determine how little is needed to cause a headache.

Afterquitting alcohol, the symptoms of withdrawal will show up quickly, and the first symptoms to show are usually anxiety and headaches. There will also be cravings, nausea and vomiting, depending on the severity of the alcohol abuse.

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Many retrospective studies show that alcoholic drinks act as migraine triggers, at least occasionally, in about one-third of migraine patients, and as frequent/consistent trigger in about 10% of patients. Some studies report that ADs are also a trigger of tension-type headache . Many of retrospective studies report that ADs trigger migraine attack in about one-third of MO population. A higher percentage of patients (over 50%) referring ADs as a trigger is found in CH. The role of alcohol in other types of primary headaches is less uniformly defined. The more detailed study shows that ADs are a trigger of MA attack in a similar percentage to MO attack, confirming the data of earlier studies, but not the low percentage found in previous studies of the same Danish group.

ADs have been reported to trigger the principal types of primary headaches. While the results in MO and CH are in relative agreement, those in MA and TH are discordant. However, if the role of ADs in triggering MA and TH will be confirmed, a common trigger site should be considered. In this case, a direct action at the vascular system is hardly compatible with TH or MA.

How to Prevent a Headache After Drinking Alcohol

Whether alcohol acts as a trigger is really a case-by-case basis for people with migraine. For some people, it could be the amount of alcohol consumed that triggers an attack. For example, wine may be a trigger for some but whiskey may not have an influence. However, if you still experience a migraine attack after drinking any kind of alcohol, the best solution is to avoid alcohol altogether. Drinking too much can trigger migraines, and possibly other types of headaches—such as cluster headaches and tension headaches—in people who are already susceptible to these issues. Such headaches can occur while you are drinking, or a few hours after—even if you’ve had as little as one drink.

• In these two studies, red wine is the most common ADs involved in triggering TH attacks, in accordance with another study.
• Recent studies show that alcohol acts as a trigger at least occasionally in a percentage similar to that of the previous studies (37%), but as a frequent/consistent trigger in only 10% of the patients .
• But unless you intend to keep drinking, the alcohol levels in your body will eventually drop, causing a headache anyway.
• Please see your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your alcohol use.

“Some patients with migraine are particularly susceptible to dehydration,” she says. Alternate between alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages to minimize alcohol consumption. For example, order a glass of water with your glass of wine at the dinner table. The French seem to be able to drink red wine without the hangover headache and poor health. Scientists explored the mystery in this study about the “French paradox.”

Is there a safe amount of alcohol to drink without causing a headache?

Cutting back on drinking has plenty of benefits, including reducing your likelihood of getting a headache. By tracking your attacks and your drinking and working with a doctor, you can figure out the relationship with alcohol that’s right for you . Dr. Crystal recommends keeping alcohol and headaches a migraine diary on a daily basis. Recording what you’re eating, drinking, and doing before, after, and during an attack can help you pinpoint patterns in attacks and triggers. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grapes, certain fruit juices, and beer.