The migraines tend to start within three hours of consuming alcohol. Sometimes, migraines don’t plague patients until the next morning, just as their blood-alcohol content level is back to normal. Many people confuse this with a regular hangover until the intensity of the migraine sets in. Other hard liquors, beer, and sparkling wine have also been identified as culprits by the scientific community.
When enjoying a night out on the town, there are several triggers you may expose yourself to including bright flashing lights, loud music, food and alcohol. A slice of cheesecake or pizza can do far more damage for some people than others. Substances such as sulfites, histamine, and tyramines are found in alcohol and may contribute to headaches as well. It has also been proposed that alcohol triggers an inflammatory response that can lead to a headache. Finding people whom you can lean on for support can help lift some of the burden of managing migraine before, during and after pregnancy.
More on Migraine & Headaches
People prone to headaches may be at a higher risk of experiencing alcohol-related headaches. Many different factors can contribute to a hangover as a result of drinking. Drinks containing more alcohol and can alcohol cause migraines congeners may worsen the chance of developing a headache. As a result, a female’s blood alcohol concentration tends to be higher, making it more likely for females to experience headaches and hangovers.
- Migraines and their triggers are very individual – what affects one person may cause no problems for the next.
- For help finding a healthcare provider, check out our Find a Doctor tool.
- Some common symptoms are a severe headache, vertigo attack or stroke like symptoms that can last for hours or even days.
- A 2019 study recognized alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, as a migraine trigger factor for people with migraine.
But how does alcohol really affect our body and brains, and how much do we know about hangovers? Well, scientists aren’t exactly sure what’s going on, but everyone who’s had a drink knows how miserable they can be. The best way to avoid migraine when you drink depends on your exact trigger. Drinking gin instead of wine could definitely help some people, like those sensitive to wine, but it may not make a difference for other people. While they have found that many people with migraine do report alcohol as a trigger, it seems to happen occasionally. I began having migraine attacks when I was a teenager, but was never properly diagnosed until I was an adult.
Is there a safe amount of alcohol to drink without causing a headache?
Tannin, a component in red wine, has been long considered the culprit. Genes that play a role in opioid, serotonin, and dopamine systems also influence alcohol sensitivity. These genes may affect the likelihood of experiencing symptoms such as headaches after drinking small amounts. Migraine is complex, and other neurological conditions may cause migraine-like symptoms.
