Best and Worst Types of Alcohol for People With Migraine
While a hangover headache can happen to anyone (usually the morning after drinking too much alcohol), people who experience migraines are more susceptible. When it comes to the onset of headaches after drinking alcohol, there is no standard time. Some people experience delayed alcohol-induced headaches, while others get immediate headaches from drinking alcohol. At the same time, alcohol consumption leads to the widening or dilating of blood vessels. This increases pressure in the head and creates the “throbbing” sensation felt during a hangover headache. Headaches are one of the most common after-effects when a person consumes a lot of alcohol.
How can I prevent headaches after drinking beer?
However, it is always advisable to consult a medical professional for personalized advice and to address severe or persistent symptoms. In contrast, an alcohol-triggered migraine often manifests more quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes to three hours of consumption. Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head, and can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals may also experience an aura, involving visual disturbances or other sensory changes, prior to the headache phase. While alcohol can cause both, their severity, accompanying symptoms, and underlying neurological mechanisms distinguish a migraine from a simple headache. Alcohol also influences blood vessels, causing vasodilation, or the expansion of blood vessels, including those in the brain.
What to know about alcohol and migraine
In conclusion, histamine release from alcohol consumption is a key driver of headaches, especially in histamine-sensitive individuals. Practical steps, such as moderating intake, choosing low-histamine beverages, and incorporating antihistamine strategies, can effectively reduce the risk. Awareness of this specific pathway empowers individuals to enjoy alcohol more mindfully while avoiding the unwelcome aftermath of a headache. Moderate alcohol consumption may lead to mild vasodilation, alcoholism treatment causing a slight headache or none at all. However, as the amount of alcohol increases, so does the vasodilation effect. This is why a night of heavy drinking often results in a pounding head the next morning.
Why Does Alcohol Cause Headaches?
Alcohol is a common trigger for migraine attacks, but some types may be less likely to cause problems than others. Let’s explore the best and worst types of alcohol for people with migraine. Alcohol can trigger headaches in some people due to sensitivity to specific ingredients, such as congeners, histamines, and tyramine, found in certain alcoholic drinks. Additionally, body weight, genetic factors, and individual differences in brain receptors may also play a role in alcohol-induced headaches. While the relationship between alcohol and headaches is well-established, the underlying mechanisms remain https://ecosoberhouse.com/ incompletely understood. Individual differences in brain receptors and genetic factors may contribute to varying sensitivities to alcohol-induced headaches.
How we reviewed this article:
If you’re a chronic migraineur who has decided to have a drink or two, a safe bet is leaving it at that. Additionally, it’s possible to have migraine episodes and hangovers, Rosen said. The only alcohol I can have is a wee bit of Irish whiskey in decaf ☕️. Any wine, beer, rum, tequila, vodka, etc. makes me very sick 😫 🤕🤮🤢.
The Connection Between Wine and Migraine
Those suffering from an immediate alcohol-induced headache will likely feel a pulsating sensation, usually on both sides of the head. They will also find that the headache increases in intensity when any physical activity is taken. The single main reason that alcohol is the cause of a headache is that it is what is known as a diuretic. Headaches, including migraine, are treatable with the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. Relaxation techniques may help ease stress-related migraine episodes, and they may make migraine episodes feel less severe when they do happen. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between migraine and alcohol.
Individual Sensitivities
While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, congeners and other additives in alcoholic drinks are considered contributing factors to headaches, even in small amounts. Individual sensitivity, genetic factors, and the presence of migraine headaches can also influence the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-induced headaches. Staying hydrated, moderating alcohol intake, and identifying personal triggers are recommended strategies to reduce the occurrence of alcohol-induced headaches. Alcohol consumption is a common part of social gatherings and celebrations for many people. While moderate drinking may not cause any significant health issues for most individuals, some may experience unpleasant side effects such as headaches or migraines after consuming alcohol. Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there is no safe alcohol dose 19, Panconesi et al. conclude that low consumption is not a contraindication for headache patients 79.
Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption is considered a potential factor that may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Chemical imbalances, the presence of other ingredients in alcoholic beverages (such as histamine), and individual sensitivities can also play a role. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences migraines will have them triggered by alcohol. Congeners are byproducts of fermentation found in alcoholic beverages. Darker beers typically contain higher levels of congeners, which may trigger headaches. These compounds can irritate blood vessels and contribute to hangover-like symptoms.
Remember, part of the reason why alcohol gives me (and you) a headache is that it dehydrates you. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol-related issues, contact our specialised treatment advisors to get the help you need. Beth Ann Mayer is a New York-based freelance writer and content strategist who specializes in health and parenting writing. She is a co-founder of digital content agency Lemonseed Creative and is a graduate why does alcohol cause headaches of Syracuse University.
- Furthermore, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to headaches as the body readjusts to the absence of alcohol, causing a temporary imbalance in neurotransmitters.
- Additionally, it’s possible to have migraine episodes and hangovers, Rosen said.
- The impact of congeners and other additives on headaches may be influenced by individual sensitivity and genetic factors.
- Understanding certain food components of some alcoholic beverages will help you understand your choices when it comes to selecting the best alcohol to avoid migraine.
Dr. Crystal said she finds that many of her patients have a sensitivity to alcohol. Others find that it is more likely to trigger migraine attacks during vulnerable periods—hormonal changes, stress, and weather changes, for example. So, she recommends reducing alcohol intake or stopping drinking altogether if a patient does, indeed, find a connection between drinking and migraine. Alcohol can trigger migraine attacks in some people, and those with migraines are more likely to get alcohol-induced headaches.
Generally, these clear alcohols are highly distilled and have almost no leftover congeners from the beginning fermentation process. Seeking help for alcoholism is a brave and crucial step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our dedicated team offers compassionate support, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to navigate your journey to sobriety and wellness. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. A person having a migraine can also have trouble speaking, experience a loss of balance, feel some head congestion and be sensitive to noise or light.