Many of the same tips for preventing a headache after drinking also work for treating one. Hydration and electrolyte replacement is one of the best things you can do to help recover from an alcohol-induced headache. Make sure to avoid hydrating drinks that are heavy in sugar, as either low blood sugar or high blood sugar can make a hangover headache worse. As mentioned above, B vitamins such as B6 and B12 can also be helpful after drinking, and pain medication should be used sparingly and with caution. Insufficient sleep before or after alcohol consumption can significantly increase the likelihood and intensity of a headache.
ways to curb your drinking
“Some patients with migraine are particularly susceptible to dehydration,” she says. “Alcohol consumption is one of the most common dietary triggers for migraine sufferers,” says Dr. Sara Crystal, Cove Medical Director, noting that alcohol causes two specific types of alcoholism symptoms headaches. We asked the experts about the relationship between drinking and headaches to determine why and how alcohol specifically triggers headaches or migraine attacks. By taking these factors into consideration, individuals can make informed choices about their alcohol consumption to minimize the risk of developing alcohol-induced headaches. Red wine is the type of alcohol most often reported as a headache trigger. In a study published in 2018, 77.8% of patients reported red wine as a trigger in general, with 8.8% of patients noting it as a consistent trigger.
- But if you’re prone to migraine headaches, drinking even a small amount of alcohol can bring on an attack.
- Insufficient sleep before or after alcohol consumption can significantly increase the likelihood and intensity of a headache.
- Two scientists at the University of California, Davis, believe they discovered why cabernets, pinot noirs and other types of red wine cause such brutal hangovers.
- However, some people are more susceptible to alcohol or could experience an allergic reaction.
- By implementing these strategies, individuals can enjoy alcohol responsibly and minimize the risk of experiencing headaches.
How Can I Avoid Alcohol Induced Headaches?
Alcohol dilates the blood vessels (at least lower levels of alcohol do), which leads to increased blood flow to the brain. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your “cocktail headache” plan. However, the type of alcoholic beverage that triggers these headaches is not clear. As we have discovered from looking at the types of alcohol-induced headaches, you may experience one from as little as three hours after drinking alcohol. According to Aurora, however, alcohol consumption isn’t just a question of what’s considered a safe amount. It also depends on whether or not you’re likely to develop headaches.
How to Get Rid of a Cocktail Headache
Dark liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, and rum are another common trigger for alcohol-induced headaches. These beverages often contain higher levels of congeners compared to lighter spirits like vodka or gin. Congeners are byproducts of the fermentation and distillation process, and they contribute to the flavor and color of the liquor. At best, you can drink a lot of water in between drinks and make sure to eat while consuming alcohol to diminish its effects. If you’re working with a medical professional to determine why you get headaches, it’s important to look at every possible trigger, including alcohol. However, it’s possible to have a migraine headache without having had a beer or a glass of wine.
Mocktails are easier to find these days; you can always lean on them. Other hard liquors, beer, and sparkling wine have also been identified as culprits by the scientific community. The body converts the ethanol in alcohol that we drink to a chemical that can trigger headaches. Many people may also develop headaches due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
Live updates: Los Angeles firefighters are running out of water as they battle growing wildfires: report
- Neurologist and headache expert Dr. Belinda Savage-Edwards explains that migraine attacks can occur with little alcohol.
- Or you might be fine until after your blood alcohol level returns to normal.
- Unfortunately, higher blood alcohol levels equal dehydration and a loss of important vitamins, minerals, and salts.
- As we discussed earlier, not everyone is prone to alcohol-related headaches.
- Genetics and ethnical background also seem to play a role in determining who suffers hangover headaches and how severely.
Include how https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you felt the prior 48 hours as well as any stress or anxiety you were under at the time. A migraine each time you have a night out should be a good reason to abstain. But if you’re prone to migraine headaches, you’ll need to be careful about how much you drink. A 5-ounce glass of wine (or 12 ounces of beer or a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot) may be OK every now and then, so long as it doesn’t bring on a headache.
The Connection Between Wine and Migraine
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. Unfortunately, this may lead to inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger migraines in some people.
Scientists are still trying to understand how or why alcohol acts as a trigger for some people who suffer from migraines. At present, most studies seem to link to headaches after alcohol to congeners, a byproduct of alcohol, most commonly found in darker drinks, such as whiskey, brandy and red wine. Whether or not alcohol is a migraine headache trigger is debatable. While some people do experience migraine headaches after drinking alcohol, not everyone does.
How To Treat Alcohol-Related Headaches
In conclusion, Waterhouse and Devi said that grapes exposed to the sun produce why does vodka give me a headache more quercetin, which, in turn, is leading those types of red wine to cause greater hangovers. Two scientists at the University of California, Davis, believe they discovered why cabernets, pinot noirs and other types of red wine cause such brutal hangovers. 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.
