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But “cutting back” doesn’t necessarily have to mean cutting out. By tracking your attacks and your drinking and working with a doctor, you can figure out the relationship with alcohol that’s right for you (and your condition). The short answer is that while it’s possible for alcohol to cause a migraine attack, it’s often a bit more complicated.

Many studies in different countries show that alcohol is a headache trigger in high percentage of migraine subjects, both in the general population [15–17] and headache clinic population [18–22]. About one-third of the patients (mean 34%) report alcohol as a trigger (Fig. 1). However these are retrospective studies, and until recently only a prospective study based exclusively on the subjective patients information exists [23]. Recent studies show that alcohol acts as a trigger at least occasionally in a percentage similar to that of the previous studies (37%), but as a frequent/consistent trigger in only 10% of the patients [22,24]. Curiously, in some countries, the percentages of alcohol or wine as migraine triggers were negligible, 6.1 [25] and 1.4% [26], perhaps depending on the degree of alcohol habits.

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Another study shows that of the 429 migraine patients, 17% are sensitive to all forms of alcohol, 11.2% to red wine but not to white wine or clear spirits, while 28% are sensitive to beer (none only to this alone) [19]. A 2016 review notes that alcohol may trigger a tension headache, especially if a person also has migraine. The research found that 21% of people with migraine say that alcohol is a tension headache trigger, compared with just 2% of people without migraine. Migraine causes a specific type of headache that involves neurological symptoms such as light sensitivity and aura. Other types of headaches, including severe headaches, can occur as a result of alcohol consumption.

• This chemical is a vasodilator, which increases the size of blood vessels in the body.
• In this helpful guide, David Wu, MD, with offices in Torrance, California, identifies the foods and drinks that can trigger migraines.
• Milk, drinks made with milk and buttermilk are reported to cause headaches.
• Results of MIDAS score among migraine sufferers ranged from 0 to 70 with a mean of 12.52 and SD of 13.81, classified as medium grade disability.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
• Migraine causes a specific type of headache that involves neurological symptoms such as light sensitivity and aura.

Explore these Frequently Asked Questions about migraine symptoms to see if you might be experiencing migraine. Many things can trigger a migraine, from can alcohol cause migraines stress at work to changes in the weather to foods like aged cheese. And for about one-third of people who have migraines, alcohol is also a trigger.

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If you have persistent lightheadedness or vomiting, seek medical attention. Generally, these episodes resolve within a few hours but can last up to a whole day. It’s important to note that alcohol use disorder is a serious illness that can have life-threatening consequences. Please see your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your alcohol use. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

However, the strength of this relationship is weak at best, with studies showing that anxiety, stress and sleep disturbance are much more likely to cause migraines than chocolate. As is the case with all triggers, which may vary from person to person, patients who experience attacks after chocolate consumption should take the necessary precautions. The type of alcohol does not seem to affect whether a person gets a headache.

What Causes Migraines?

Migraine is complex, and other neurological conditions may cause migraine-like symptoms. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor about migraine symptoms or chronic headaches, with or without drinking. Headaches, including migraine, are treatable with https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. 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.

• According to a study examining the difference in blood-alcohol levels in women compared to men, the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol is smaller in females than in males.
• A little bit of caffeine, though, can actually help get rid of a headache, and caffeine is included in some over-the-counter headache treatments.
• Moreover, people who drink alcohol may not drink as much water, intensifying the water loss.

It has also been proposed that alcohol triggers an inflammatory response that can lead to a headache. People who get hangovers that trigger a migraine may wish to avoid alcohol with high levels of congeners. These are substances that the alcohol manufacturing process produces. Some research suggests that congeners play a role in hangovers, although factors such as inflammation also contribute. A 2015 study suggests that the inactivity of alcohol dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme that helps break down alcohol, might contribute to hangover headaches.

Although most in the medical and scientific community look at migraine as a condition and are unsure of why it happens, at the National Headache Institute, we believe that migraine is a symptom, not a unique condition. Dr. Damien Jonas Wilson is a medical doctor from St. Martin in the Caribbean. He was awarded his Medical Degree (MD) from the University of Zagreb Teaching Hospital. His training in general medicine and surgery compliments his degree in biomolecular engineering (BASc.Eng.) from Utrecht, the Netherlands. During this degree, he completed a dissertation in the field of oncology at the Harvard Medical School/ Massachusetts General Hospital.

Likewise, patients with MSG-reported migraine sensitivity should avoid foods containing this compound. While a moderate amount of caffeine can alleviate your headache, too much can have the opposite effect, triggering a migraine. In addition to these beverages, chocolate also contains caffeine and should be eaten with caution. If you develop a cocktail headache, stop drinking alcohol and go someplace where you can rest comfortably. If you’ve recently undergone alcohol detox and are on the path to recovery, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. Hydration plays a pivotal role in the detoxification process, and finding a reliable rehabilitation center can be a key step in your journey. Explore options for rehab near me to discover facilities that can provide the necessary support and guidance as you work towards sobriety. In addition to staying hydrated, consider reaching out to professionals who specialize in alcohol rehabilitation to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to your recovery. Remember, taking the first step toward seeking help is a commendable decision, and finding the right rehabilitation center near you can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

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The role of dietary triggers has been well reviewed previously [1, 2]. Some studies show that patients in whom alcohol or wine/beer acts as a trigger factor also had significantly more other foods as a trigger [19,73]. Certainly, some headache patients cannot tolerate some alcoholic drinks, although not frequently, and perhaps only in combination in the presence of other trigger factors (stress, for example). However, a few negative experiences cannot justify the media and scientific information on alcohol as a major headache trigger and the suggestion of abstinence. In fact, to deny the beneficial effect of a low dose of alcohol in a wide number of people, who can also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease like migraine patients [74, 75], is not medically appropriate.

My prescriptions generally go to the pharmacy and not the liquor store. But there are a few secrets to consuming alcohol without the alcohol-induced headache. If you have chronic migraines, David Wu, MD, can help you get relief. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with the office of David Wu, MD, today. Try to eat some fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are helpful for alcohol-induced headache recovery.