These symptoms may begin within minutes or hours of drinking and vary widely in severity. A 2019 study recognized alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, as a migraine can alcohol cause migraines trigger factor for people with migraine. As a result, a female’s blood alcohol concentration tends to be higher, making it more likely for females to experience headaches and hangovers. We also examine the types of headache alcohol can trigger and the types of alcohol likely to cause more headaches. Ethanol is clear and colorless with a sweet flavor and a smell that some people find pleasant. When a person drinks an alcoholic beverage, the ethanol is quickly absorbed in the stomach.
Whether Alcohol Is a Migraine Trigger
Studies have shown that alcoholic drinks act as a trigger for migraines in up to one-third of patients. When you consume alcohol, it can cause headaches due to factors. Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine production and can lead to dehydration.
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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Dr. Michael Yang is a board-certified neurologist and headache specialist at the Gundersen Health System in Wisconsin. He is an active member of the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Yang is currently actively involved in several research projects on migraine.
Does Type of Alcohol Matter? Which Alcohol Is Best for Headaches?
- Quantity is definitely a factor in whether drinking alcohol will trigger a headache, and the quality of alcohol probably plays a role as well.
- Identifying and avoiding trigger ingredients can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related headaches.
- While hydration and heat can exacerbate these headaches, they are not direct causes.
When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can cause your stomach to make more acid, which can irritate your stomach. And acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may cause serious liver damage if taken with too much alcohol.
- Supplementing with Vitamin B12 or B6 before or after drinking may improve symptoms.
- It is found in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and liquor and can trigger migraine headaches.
- These changes can produce pain and sensitivity, resulting in a headache.
- RaveAid is a dietary supplement that is meant to reduce or prevent the comedown after a night out.
