Can Alcohol Consumption Trigger the Onset of a Headache?
Current studies present conflicting results on whether alcohol alone is a trigger for a headache but for a portion of the population it can have devastating results. According to a research article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: “Alcoholic drinks are a migraine trigger in about one third of patients.” The article goes on to indicate that migraine sufferers are less likely to consume alcohol than the general population. Unfortunately for those that suffer from chronic headaches or migraines it likely just depends on the person whether alcohol will trigger the onset of a headache. Individuals who suffer from these conditions have different sensitivities. Some migraine sufferers are triggered by a sensitivity to light or sound while others are more affected by certain smells or consumption of particular foods.
The National Headache Foundation does advise that the chemical in alcohol known as ethanol may cause headaches. Ethanol may cause blood vessels to tighten and may be linked to high blood pressure. These things can increase a person’s chances of experiencing headaches on a regular basis. Heavy amounts of alcohol consumption also means that the body is taking in an extraordinary amount of sugar. Too much sugar can have significant health risks including increasing the likelihood of a heart attack.
Heavy drinking or binge drinking has been linked to a number of adverse health problems. It is important to know the risks associated with alcohol. If you struggle with migraines or chronic headaches, decreasing or eliminating your alcohol intake could help.