For those prone to tension headaches, a small, controlled dose of alcohol might offer temporary relief, but exceeding one standard drink increases the risk of rebound headaches. Migraine sufferers should avoid alcohol altogether, especially red wine, due to its high histamine and tannin content. Keeping a headache diary to track alcohol consumption and symptoms can help identify personal triggers and thresholds. By adopting a personalized, evidence-based approach to migraine management, individuals can work towards minimizing the frequency and severity of attacks, improving their overall quality of life.
For some people, it could be the amount of alcohol consumed that triggers an attack. For example, wine may be a trigger for some but whiskey may not have an influence. However, if you still experience a migraine attack after drinking any kind of alcohol, the best solution is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Ultimately understanding how your body reacts allows smarter choices reducing risk without sacrificing social enjoyment entirely. Beth Ann Mayer is a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ New York-based freelance writer and content strategist who specializes in health and parenting writing. She is a co-founder of digital content agency Lemonseed Creative and is a graduate of Syracuse University. I also find hard liquor gives me more of hangover than when I was younger but doesn’t give as much of a headache. Additionally, it’s possible to have migraine episodes and hangovers, Rosen said.
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For help finding a healthcare provider, check out our Find a Doctor tool. With 30 years of paying close attention to consumption and the boundaries, I have evolved to limiting high alcohol, highly tannic, and heavily processed wines. With the huge focus on organic foods and what we all eat, there should be as much attention put on what we drink.
Migraines vs Tension Headaches: Understanding the Difference
It can be easily brewed into a tea and is delicious on its own or with honey. For even more headache relief and a dose of prevention, add some almond milk and a spoonful of honey. Feverfew has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve a headache, and feverfew can also prevent migraine attacks. A glass of wine every now and then may actually be good for relaxation and stress relief. But it should not be confused as a remedy for a headache or migraine. If someone is experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, it is a good idea to keep a journal of triggers and make lifestyle changes.
Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol for Headache Relief
Most medical professionals advise against using alcohol as a treatment for headaches due to its overall negative impact. Sharp headaches are one short-term effect of heavy drinking, but when alcohol addiction takes hold, you will start to suffer with increasingly dangerous symptoms. If you or a loved one needs support with problematic drinking, we are here for you. Alcohol may temporarily offer sedation but isn’t proven to be effective at soothing or preventing migraine.
- It is crucial to take medications at the recommended times to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- In cases of conflict between authors in terms of the inclusion of a particular paper, the fourth researcher (MWP) decided upon a solution to the problem following discussion.
- Much like food triggers for migraine, people may have a higher sensitivity to certain organic components commonly found in alcoholic drinks.
- Generally speaking, a person’s biological makeup and individual factors mean hangovers manifest differently.
- If you’re interested in connecting with more people in the migraine community, we recommend joining our Facebook support group, Move Against Migraine.
There was no association between alcohol intake and the probability of a migraine attack one day after the consumption of alcohol. Whether or not alcohol is a common migraine headache trigger is debatable. While some people may experience migraine headaches after drinking alcohol, others may not. If you notice consistent patterns, then chances are it’s the alcohol that’s causing your migraine headache.
Debunking Myths: Does Wine Really Help with Headaches?
While the mechanisms behind alcohol-induced headaches are not fully understood, studies have shown that certain types of alcohol may be more likely to cause headaches. For example, red wine was reported as a trigger by 77.8% of patients in a 2018 study, followed by white wine, champagne, and beer. Other factors, such as individual dispositions and cultural factors, may also play a role in alcohol-induced headaches. Additionally, caffeine has been shown to contribute to migraine attacks, so choosing caffeine-free drinks may be advisable for those prone to migraines. First of all, the existing studies present data in a heterogeneous way, which may have led to inaccurate results, and do not provide an exhaustive array of information. Information on the gender of participants was unavailable for analysis.
Alcohol’s Impact on Migraines
Dr. Green cautions, however, that stopping drinking may not resolve the entire problem. That’s likely because there are other underlying migraine triggers, such as certain foods, caffeine, fluctuating hormones, and stress. If you know a migraine is likely to come on and plan to drink anyway, triptans can help.
Every person living with migraine deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. This Giving Tuesday season, your donation helps fund the programs, advocacy, and education that makes the invisible disease of migraine visible. 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. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Relieving Headache Pain: Preventing and treating migraines and other headaches
- This will help your doctor isolate the cause of your migraine and your triggers.
- In addition to medical professionals, seeking the guidance of a registered dietitian or nutritionist can also be beneficial for migraine management.
People who get hangovers that trigger a migraine may also 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. One hypothesis is that red wine causes migraine Halfway house due to high levels of certain compounds called flavonols, particularly quercetin.
Additionally, coconut water is a hydrating and natural option that can provide essential electrolytes without the risk of triggering a migraine. Scientists are still trying to understand how does alcohol help headaches or why alcohol acts as a trigger for some people who suffer from migraines. At present, most studies seem to link to headaches after alcohol to congeners, a byproduct of alcohol, most commonly found in darker drinks, such as whiskey, brandy and red wine. Certain migraine triggers may be unavoidable, so preventive treatments – both pharmacologic and behavioral – may be used to try to prevent attacks. Despite many requests for medications to prevent alcohol-induced migraines, counseling patients regarding avoidance is my preferred treatment plan. Additionally, the way you drink your beer or champagne can make a difference.