Alcohol and migraine: trigger factor, consumption, mechanisms A review Full Text
This leads to excessive urination and dehydration, which may cause a headache after a small amount of alcohol. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth.
MIGRAINE ADVOCACY HUB
Effects on hormones, blood chemistry, the sleep-wake cycle and inflammatory chemicals are also important in the thoroughly lousy feeling we have come to know as a hangover. Some of these effects are caused by ethanol itself, and others are from an even more toxic byproduct of its metabolism called acetaldehyde. This chemical builds up in the blood as the liver breaks down the alcohol into a form that can be eliminated from the body. Neither the interaction term nor the presence of migraine on day‐2 were significant and they were removed (one at a time) from the final model (Model 2). No convergence issues were identified in Model 3 (neither in the full nor in the simplified, alcohol and headaches final model). Once it gets into your system, it is converted into a chemical that triggers migraine.
Different Types of Alcohol and Migraine
Then, 142 conference abstracts, 100 reviews, four book chapters and 42 unretrieved studies were not taken into further consideration. Finally, 22 articles 26, 27, 36, 44–62 were retrieved for further analysis. A detailed description of the steps performed during study selection is presented in Fig. Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there is no safe alcohol dose 19, Panconesi et al. conclude that low consumption is not a contraindication for headache patients 79. However, each patient makes individual decisions based on their own experience.
- For a hangover headache, also called a delayed alcohol-induced headache, experts believe that nerve chemicals involved in central pain control, like serotonin, are likely responsible.
- Learn more about the relationship between migraine and family planning.
- There is even some debate about whether alcohol itself or another chemical component in alcoholic drinks acts as the trigger.
- Like so many other answers to science questions, “it depends.” Body weight and gender are very important factors.
- For example, wine may be a trigger for some but whiskey may not have an influence.
- While there is some research on each possible reason why alcohol causes headaches, study authors have not definitively proven the link between the two.
Data collection and measures
Early diagnosis can help prevent permanent neurological damage. A doctor will take a thorough health history and have you complete questionnaires related to alcohol intake to help diagnose these conditions. Risks for the baby can include brain damage and developmental, cognitive, and behavioral issues. No amount of alcohol is safe to drink while pregnant, according to the CDC. According to a 2017 review, muscle myopathy is common in alcohol use disorder.
- If you experience migraine headaches after drinking alcohol, it may be best to avoid alcohol.
- Keep reading to learn more about the connection between migraine and alcohol.
- Several studies suggest that alcohol, especially red wine, may trigger migraine attacks.
Some people only sip a glass or two of wine before their head starts to https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/teen-drug-abuse-how-to-prevent-drug-use-in-teens/ throb. While migraine is a common disease that affects 39 million Americans, no two migraine experiences are the same. Symptoms can vary from light sensitivity and dizziness to food cravings or body chills.
However, researchers aren’t clear on exactly how or why alcohol can impact migraine. There is even some debate about whether alcohol itself or another chemical component in alcoholic drinks acts as the trigger. This uncertainty makes it difficult for many people who want to responsibly enjoy alcohol during the holidays or on special occasions to effectively manage their migraine symptoms.