Alcohol and Migraine: Relationship, Triggers, and Treatment
Its dehydrating effects also contribute to headache development, especially during hangovers. This is especially true for people prone to headaches or migraine without alcohol. In addition to red wine, other alcoholic beverages, including beer, white wine, and liqueur, have also been reported as headache triggers. Histamine, tannins, tyramine, flavonoid phenols, sulfites, and phenylethylamine are all found within alcoholic beverages and this also includes beer. Usually, the effects of an alcohol-triggered migraine attack will happen within 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Should people with migraine avoid alcohol?

Migraine episodes triggered by alcohol consumption typically happen within about an hour. Delayed alcohol headaches or hangovers generally take hours to start, such as the following day after a night of drinking too much. When alcohol is a trigger for one’s usual primary headaches, the pain usually occurs within three hours of alcohol consumption. Due to the inclusion of many study designs, the risk of bias was evaluated using tools adjusted to the type of study. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used for cross-sectional, cohort and case control studies 63.
- For example, due to religious requirements, people in Iran consume considerably less alcohol than Europeans 22, 84; nevertheless, migraine prevalence in Iran is 15.1% 85 while in Europe it is 35% 86.
- Recognizing alcohol headache warning signs can help you decide if medical attention is needed.
- A practical approach to managing headaches involves understanding the timing and context of alcohol consumption.
- Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated and not consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
Prediction of alcohol intake patterns with olfactory and gustatory brain connectivity networks
The next time you’re trying to stay hydrated to help a headache or a migraine attack, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ reach for one of these drinks. They help bust dehydration and may come with an added benefit of headache or nausea relief. Stock up on your favorites so you don’t have to travel farther than your kitchen to help your headache. The Bend Headache Center strives to treat the source of the pain, not the symptoms.
Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol for Headache Relief
- Staying hydrated, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress through techniques like meditation or exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
- Avoiding headaches from alcohol can be easier by selecting safer drink options.
- Exploring alternative remedies like essential oils or hydration may yield more consistent results without risks involved in inhaling potent vapors.
- Some people may be able to drink red wine or whiskey without any problems, while others may find that even clear liquors are problematic.
We asked the experts about the relationship between drinking and headaches to determine why and how alcohol specifically triggers headaches or migraine attacks. For migraine sufferers looking for alternatives to alcohol, there are several drink options that can be enjoyed without triggering a migraine. Non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale can be a refreshing and soothing choice. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may also help alleviate migraine symptoms. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, can provide a calming and soothing effect, making them suitable alternatives for those avoiding alcohol due does alcohol help headaches to migraines.
Worst alcohol for migraine

The vasodilatory effects of alcohol also depend on the type and amount consumed. For instance, red wine contains compounds like flavonoids, which have Twelve-step program been studied for their potential vasodilatory properties. While these compounds might contribute to relaxation of blood vessels, the alcohol itself can still lead to dehydration, a known headache trigger. Dehydration causes blood vessels to constrict initially, but as the body attempts to rehydrate, vessels may dilate excessively, contributing to pain.
- It may be worth considering some treatment options to help you manage your symptoms.
- Stock up on your favorites so you don’t have to travel farther than your kitchen to help your headache.
- Vodka and gin are both clear liquors that are made through the distilling process discussed above.
Fact: Identify and avoid triggers for a more effective remedy
Identify other symptoms of migraine and find answers to Frequently Asked Questions to help you start the conversation about migraine with your primary care provider. Treatment options vary, from acute treatment to relieve symptoms to preventive treatment to reduce the number of attacks you experience. There are also behavioral treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help. If a doctor has prescribed medication for your chronic migraine and you choose to move forward with that line of treatment, follow instructions carefully. It is crucial to take medications at the recommended times to ensure maximum effectiveness. Additionally, it is important to communicate with your doctor if you experience any adverse effects or if the medication does not seem to be working as expected.

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