If you do notice a pattern, especially with particular types of alcohol over others, you may choose to avoid the offending drinks. Avoiding alcohol isn’t the only way to avoid an alcohol-related migraine headache. There are some health benefits to moderate alcohol consumption, but the key is knowing what types of alcohol cause your headaches, in what amounts, and what other factors might be involved. While people who have these headaches report a connection to alcohol, there’s no real consistency in how alcohol causes these headaches to develop, according to studies that have been done. Instead, researchers suggest that alcohol as a trigger is more of a personal reaction — common in certain types of headaches — than a general effect. However, the type of alcoholic beverage that triggers these headaches is not clear.
Keep a diary to understand your triggers
If so, we want to hear from you to help us start more conversations about alcohol. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
- For example, on average, females tend to weigh less than males.
- Pinot Grigio, chardonnay or sauvignon blanc would be a good place to start and are generally easy to find.
- Sulphites are often blamed for causing headaches too (though not migraines specifically),9 and white wine usually contains higher levels of sulphites than red wine.
- Note that to qualify as a cocktail (or delayed alcohol-induced) headache, the pain must start within three hours of drinking.
- A well-hydrated person is the least likely to experience headaches or to have the least intensity of headache,” Moore says.
Magnesium for Migraine Relief: How the Powerful Mineral Can Help Prevent Attacks
This might include those with lung or heart disease—or those with risk factors for either condition—since their bodies are already working harder to circulate blood and oxygen. Poor sleep quality impairs your body’s ability to regulate body temperature. For menopausal women, in particular, disrupted sleep can trigger or worsen hot flashes. Sleep disturbances https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/wet-mush-brain-from-alcoholism-symptoms-and-dangers/ disrupt hormonal balance, which affects body temperature regulation. Elevated cortisol levels can contribute to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and overall stress and increase the risk of long-term health problems. Interestingly, the link was observed regardless of whether the study subject believed that caffeine triggered their headaches.
- Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and fluid loss from the body more quickly than you can replace it.
- In addition to this, people are sometimes more likely to drink more when they are feeling stressed and a little reckless.
- It can help you identify patterns over time and help your doctor identify if you are experiencing migraine.
- Drink lots of water to rehydrate your body and help flush the alcohol from your system.
What triggers migraine attacks?
Whiskey and red wine are two of the most common migraine triggers. If you’re going to drink either of these, be sure to do so in moderation and stay well hydrated. The few experimental studies indicate that the highest congener beverage (bourbon) results in more severe hangover ratings than does the beverage with essentially no congeners (vodka). These congeners tend to affect how people feel the next day, including contributing to increased levels of hangover symptoms. The study also found that it was the ethanol consumption that was responsible for a majority of the hangover symptoms.
Can I drink during a migraine attack?
Migraine typically begins slowly and may increase in severity if left untreated. They involve throbbing pain that generally occurs on one side of the head. More research will help to determine the why does alcohol give me a migraine effects of specific alcohol content on a person’s headaches. Those diagnosed with a specific type of headache may be more prone to develop a specific type of headache after consuming alcohol.
Relieving Headache Pain: Preventing and treating migraines and other headaches
We support each other, and spread knowledge about our various conditions. Wine is often acknowledged as the most common drink to provoke a headache, but any type of alcohol can do it. There’s no “safe” alcoholic drink, and you don’t have to have a primary headache disorder to be affected. According to Aurora, however, alcohol consumption isn’t just a question of what’s considered a safe amount.
