Alcohol has different effects on the body depending on when you drink it. These are called immediate and delayed alcohol-induced headaches. People who consume greater quantities of alcohol report more alcohol-related headaches, according to several studies.
Reviewed for accuracy by the American Migraine Foundation’s subject matter experts, headache specialists and medical advisers with deep knowledge and training in headache medicine.
Alcohol: A Trigger for Headaches and Migraines
Much like food triggers for migraine, people may have a higher sensitivity to certain organic components commonly found in alcoholic drinks. Studies show that many people with migraine choose not to drink alcohol for fear that it may trigger a migraine attack. However, researchers aren’t clear on exactly how or why alcohol can impact migraine. There is even some debate about whether alcohol itself or another chemical component in alcoholic drinks acts as the trigger. This uncertainty makes it difficult for many people who want to responsibly enjoy alcohol during the holidays or on special occasions to effectively manage their migraine symptoms. This review was performed using a literature search on PubMed from 1988 (date of the first IHS classification) to December 2014.
The Migraine Path: Risk Factors for Progression of Migraine Disease
MWP and BB was involved in the conception and visualization of the study. BB, PN, MS1, MWP collected the data and prepared a manuscript. MWP, MW, MS2 and SB revised the final version of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.. Dr. Lincoln Tracy is a researcher and freelance writer from Melbourne, Australia. As a researcher, he uses data from an international clinical quality registry to explore burn injuries in Australia and New Zealand.
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However, in some countries, the occurrence of alcohol as headache trigger is negligible, perhaps determined by alcohol habits. The frequency estimates vary widely based on the study approach solution based treatment and population. In fact, prospective studies report a limited importance of ADs as migraine trigger. If ADs are capable of triggering practically all primary headaches, they should act at a common pathogenetic level. The mechanisms of alcohol-provoking headache were discussed in relationship to the principal pathogenetic theories of primary headaches.
- Dehydration triggers some migraine cases; therefore, drinking plenty of water can help, even after the fact.
- Yet, a 2016 study pointed out that estimates vary and the reason that alcohol use might trigger migraine episodes is still unclear.
- For help finding a healthcare provider, check out our Find a Doctor tool.
- The right medications combined with lifestyle changes can be helpful to improve the lives of those living with migraine.
- To define this important issue, we have reviewed alcohol as a trigger of primary headaches and discussed the possible correlation of the results with the principal pathogenetic theories of the primary headaches.
- Alcohol is often reported as a trigger among individuals with migraine or other kinds of headaches.
Feel like you should be drinking less? Start here
“This is a self-selected population; it’s not necessarily reflective of the larger migraine population. Often patients who use the N1-Headache app are very motivated and are keen to identify their triggers,” he said. One important study limitation is that the amount of alcohol subjects consumed was not recorded in a standardized manner.
Remember, everyone’s experience with migraine and migraine triggers is different. Don’t feel embarrassed when talking to your doctor or headache specialist about your triggers—it will help them give you a proper diagnosis and start the best treatment plan for your symptoms. For more information on the various migraine triggers and how to manage them, visit the American Migraine Foundation resource library, or contact us directly. Another thing that remains unclear is whether the type of alcohol you drink determines whether or not you will get a migraine headache. Some studies found that red wine is a main trigger in migraine with aura and cluster type migraine, but they also note that all alcohol could have the same effect. However, a 2019 study found higher rates of vodka consumption among drinkers with frequent migraine attacks.