Alcohol and Migraines: Can Drinking Trigger A Headache? NHI

The classification criteria of alcohol-related headaches remain problematic. We discuss the role and mechanism of action of alcohol or other components of alcoholic drinks in relation to alcohol-induced headache. In accordance with data from a recent prospective study, we believe that reports overestimate the role of alcohol, as well as other foods, in the triggering of migraine. If a relationship between the intake of alcohol and the migraine attack is not clear, a small dose of alcohol is not contraindicated either for enjoyment or its protective effect on cardiovascular disease. Migraine is very common, affecting one in five women, one in 16 men, and even one in 11 children. Migraine attacks are three times more prevalent in women, likely as a result of hormonal differences.

• Receiving a formal migraine diagnosis is the first milestone when working with your doctor to identify a personalized and effective treatment plan.
• Drinking plenty of water will help to prevent a hangover and will also help to keep your migraine attacks at bay.
• If you think you may have migraine, these answers to common questions can help you further investigate this possibility with a doctor.
• Having a strong network of people who validate your experience and support you on the good days and bad is so valuable when you live with an invisible illness like migraine.
• This is caused by inherited (genetic) traits most often found in Asians.

Many people with migraine find that certain factors trigger their symptoms. Although any type of alcohol can trigger a migraine, people who experience regular migraine attacks cite red wine as the most frequent culprit. These findings suggest that red wine contains a migraine-provoking agent that is neither alcohol (because vodka is pure alcohol) nor tyramine (for the negligible content in wine). Recently another study group reported a high percentage of patients referring red wine as the most frequent trigger between alcoholic drinks [24] but subsequently it did not report any of them as a trigger [30].

The possible triggering site

However, if you still experience a migraine attack after drinking any kind of alcohol, the best solution is to avoid alcohol altogether. Vodka and gin are both clear liquors that are made through the distilling process discussed above. This process removes congeners, which means that these drinks are less likely to trigger migraine attacks. However, they can still contain other triggers like histamine or tannins. Dr. Crystal said she finds that many of her patients have a sensitivity to alcohol.

• We asked the experts about the relationship between drinking and headaches to determine why and how alcohol specifically triggers headaches or migraine attacks.
• Pregnancy can add another complicated layer to your migraine journey, but having a strong support system will make it easier to navigate the ups and downs.
• Mounting evidence suggests there may be a connection between migraine and mental health.
• Have a consistent schedule, get adequate sleep, and learn strategies to cope with the stresses of life using mindfulness and meditation.
• However, if you still experience a migraine attack after drinking any kind of alcohol, the best solution is to avoid alcohol altogether.

About 90 minutes into our sleep, we enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is the restorative stage of sleep and when it is disrupted, it can cause drowsiness during the day, and lead to other migraine symptoms. Tannins are another can alcohol cause migraines compound that can cause problems for people with migraine. They’re found in both red and white wine, but they’re more concentrated in reds. Tannins give wine its astringent taste, and they can also contribute to headaches.

Alcohol intolerance

While there is some research on each possible reason why alcohol causes headaches, study authors have not definitively proven the link between the two. Meanwhile, 2020 research showed that 95% of participants experienced alcohol-induced headaches. It’s important to stay updated on the latest migraine research and treatment strategies. The American Migraine Foundation Resource Library provides a wealth of articles designed to assist you in understanding your symptoms and treatment options. As you work with your doctor on next steps, it will be important to maintain access to reliable resources on migraine. We recommend a look at our patient guides, which include useful information including how to talk to your doctor about migraine.

However, if you already have a headache, it is a good idea to stop drinking. As a physician, my best advice for decreasing or avoiding alcohol-related headaches is to take steps to change your relationship with alcohol. Monument is an online alcohol treatment platform that can help provide support every step of the way.