Why Does Alcohol Cause Headaches? Exploring the Causes & Prevention

So, grab a glass of water and let’s dive into the science behind alcohol-induced headaches. Alcohol-related headaches can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who live with why does alcohol cause headaches 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.

Why do I get a headache when I drink alcohol?

Before consuming a cocktail, ask yourself if it is worth developing a headache over and ruining your celebration or holiday. If you develop a cocktail headache, stop drinking alcohol and go someplace where you can rest comfortably. Drink lots of water to rehydrate your body and help flush the alcohol from your system. A sports drink with electrolytes is also helpful for this purpose. If you’ve identified alcohol as a trigger for your migraine headaches, avoiding it altogether is probably best. The same is true if you find that some types of alcohol trigger your migraine headaches more than others.

Other effects of drinking alcohol

• Migraine.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
• For example, a tension headache may cause pain in the neck or shoulders.
• This might include a history of chronic migraines, personal sensitivity to changes in brain chemistry, or a series of other pre-existing conditions that will vary from person to person.
• These chemicals may also trigger migraine headaches in certain people.

The risk increased exponentially with heavier drinking, defined as more than eight drinks per week. There are many different resources available to support you when you decide to quit drinking and embrace a sober lifestyle. You should seek help from a doctor or treatment center because the initial symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can cause serious health issues. After detoxing under the supervision of a professional, you can choose between outpatient or inpatient treatment. This type of headache is known as the ‘cocktail headache’ and comes on shortly after taking an alcoholic drink. This type of headache is less common, but many people may notice the symptoms developing within 3 hours of drinking.

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The content on this website is provided for educational purposes only. Reviewed for accuracy by the American Migraine Foundation’s subject matter experts, headache specialists and medical advisers with deep knowledge and training in headache medicine. Get in touch with a member of our team today, or learn more about how it works. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. 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.

• This technique promotes relaxation, which can help lower your heart rate​.
• When alcohol intake suddenly stops, there is a sharp rebound effect, which leads to increased excitability in the brain.
• Although genetic factors influence the risk of having migraine, environmental triggers can cause episodes or increase their frequency.
• Drinks containing more alcohol and congeners may worsen the chance of developing a headache.

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