But other drinks like sparkling wine, beer, and hard liquor may be just as likely, if not more, to cause problems. Once it gets into your system, it is converted into a chemical that triggers migraine. Research still needs to determine which remedy is most effective. However, a headache after drinking will usually resolve itself over time.
What the Community Says About Alcohol-Induced Headache
- Treatment options vary, from acute treatment to relieve symptoms to preventive treatment to reduce the number of attacks you experience.
- Many things can trigger a migraine, from stress at work to changes in the weather to foods like aged cheese.
- In a 2018 study involving 2,197 people with migraine, 25% of the participants who stopped or always avoided drinking did so because alcohol triggered migraine attacks.
- Pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and a loss of coordination, particularly in the hands and feet.
These chemicals may also trigger migraine headaches in certain people. Research shows that people with migraine may also experience related symptoms during a hangover. Reducing or eliminating alcohol may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. It may also help eliminate triggers that tend to co-occur with drinking, such as dehydration and sleep deprivation.
Does drinking beer cause headaches?
Pontinen said triptans are commonly used to treat migraine once symptoms start. Taking one before drinking isn’t recommended or known to be effective. The type of alcohol that contributes to migraine varies by the person, which is why journaling can be helpful.
Ethanol is found in every alcoholic drink, and is a key reason why any form or amount of alcohol may contribute to headaches. While migraine is a common disease that affects 39 million Americans, no two migraine experiences are the same. Symptoms can vary from light sensitivity and dizziness to food cravings or body chills. Explore these Frequently Asked Questions about migraine symptoms to see if you might be experiencing migraine. This includes being careful about the amount of alcohol you consume and paying attention to how and when your migraine symptoms flare up in relation to drinking.
Why Does Beer Give Me a Headache?
The most effective alcohol neuropathy treatment involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical support, and symptom management strategies. Recognizing alcohol neuropathy symptoms early is key to preventing further nerve damage. Alcoholic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy caused by alcohol-related nerve damage. Over time, excessive alcohol intake can destroy nerve cells, disrupting the communication between the brain, spinal cord, and limbs. Researchers found those who use alcohol to cope with anxiety have greater chances of becoming dependent, misusing alcohol, or developing alcohol use disorder. Alcohol allergy and intolerance can result in similar symptoms but are caused by different underlying factors.
- Dr. Yang is currently actively involved in several research projects on migraine.
- However, if you find that your likelihood of getting a tension headache increases with the consumption of alcohol, you may want to avoid drinking if you have chronic tension headaches.
- He is an active member of the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology.
- Along with headache and nausea, anxiety can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal or hangover.
Clear liquors, like white rum, vodka, and gin, have significantly fewer congeners and may cause fewer headache symptoms. Although, as we’ll discuss below, there are other factors that can lead to headaches migraines after drinking alcohol no matter what form of alcohol you consume. Alcohol-related headaches can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who live with migraine. While the exact reasons why alcohol triggers headaches are still not fully understood, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk and enjoy a drink without pain. Due to similarities, cluster headaches and migraine headaches often get grouped together. Both headache types can include severe headache pain and sensitivity to light.
If you frequently suffer from alcohol-related headaches, and are struggling to cut back, there are also new solutions. Ria Health’s online program can help you cut back or quit without having to put your life on hold. Get access to anti-craving medications, regular coaching meetings, expert medical advice, digital tools, and more—all from an app on your smartphone. Any relief experienced from red wine likely comes from resveratrol, a potentially health-boosting plant compound.
Be Aware of Liquid Medications
The Reveri hypnosis app provides guided sessions designed to reduce discomfort, improve nerve function, and support long-term recovery. If quitting feels challenging, hypnosis for alcohol control can help rewire drinking habits at the subconscious level. The Reveri hypnosis app offers a scientifically backed approach to managing alcohol dependence.
People who work outdoors or are athletes are also at a higher risk. Looking for a natural, science-backed way to support recovery? Try the Reveri hypnosis app to manage pain, rewire habits, and take control of your health today. Self-hypnosis has been clinically validated for managing pain and stress.
Alcohol: A Trigger for Headaches and Migraines
If you spot the signs of heat stress early, you’re more likely to recover fully and prevent it from becoming more serious. Knowing the signs of heat stress and how to prevent it can help keep you and others safe when temperatures are high. As a result, some experience anxiety as they look back on the events of the night before. Along with the other symptoms of a hangover, such as regret and embarrassment, anxiety can drive feelings of irrational worry, panic, or fear. In addition, researchers found people who score high on measures of shyness to be particularly susceptible to hangover anxiety.
Beer and hard liquor don’t seem to bother me as long as I am plenty hydrated before I have a drink. Additionally, it’s possible to have migraine episodes and hangovers, Rosen said. However, alcohol is traditionally considered a migraine trigger, with some research suggesting that it prompts episodes in about one-third of people.
This indicates that people with migraine and other headache diseases may be more likely to give up alcohol because they perceive it as a possible migraine trigger. 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. Quantity is definitely a factor in whether drinking alcohol will trigger a headache, and the quality of alcohol probably plays a role as well.
If migraine headaches continue to cause you grief, look beyond home remedies. At the National Headache Institute, we investigate to find the underlying causes of migraine and headaches. We have created customized plans than have helped more than 12,000 people live the pain-free lives they deserve. Keeping a migraine journal that includes the type of alcohol consumed, time, and any other potential triggers can help you determine whether it’s in your best interest to avoid alcohol.
Above all, be smart, drink water, and always treat yourself with kindness. They’ve basically done everything right, but the attacks happen anyway,” says Dr. Charles. Headaches, including migraine, are treatable with the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. This will be helpful in guiding conversations with your doctor about your symptoms. You might have tried some alternative therapies, but did you know about these complementary and integrative treatments?