Many people will be familiar with the headache that often forms part of a hangover. This is quite common and can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration and a build-up of toxins. A minority of people may experience a headache after consuming only a small amount of alcohol though, with some finding they regularly have a headache after one drink. This can come on immediately after drinking rather than ‘the morning after’.
Again, there can be a number of possible factors and explanations, ranging from migraine sensitivity and alcohol intolerance to a reaction to specific ingredients in a particular drink.
Here we will look at why small amounts of alcohol can cause a headache – but it should be noted that recurring or severe headaches should always be discussed with a relevant healthcare professional.
How Does Alcohol Cause Headaches?
Alcohol has a number of different effects on the body and brain, some of which can cause, trigger or contribute to headaches.
One of the main ways in which alcohol is metabolised is by being broken down into enzymes including a toxic compound called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a well-known toxin, irritant and inflammatory substance and it’s believed that a build-up of this substance may contribute to headaches, especially during the hangover phase after drinking.
Drinking alcohol can also lead to changes in sleep, blood sugar and inflammation that can also potentially contribute to headaches. The causes of headaches can differ between individuals and may often be due to a combination of different factors.
Why Can One Drink Be Enough to Trigger a Headache?
Many people will suffer the combination of symptoms commonly known as a hangover if they drink too much. Fewer will experience ill effects such as headaches after a single drink, but it can and does happen.
Sensitivity to alcohol can vary considerably according to factors including genetics, body composition, health, medication and drinking history. This means that one person may react to a quantity of alcohol that causes no obvious symptoms in another. It’s also worth pointing out that ‘one drink’ can contain a lot more than one unit depending on its size and strength. One unit of alcohol in the UK is defined as 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which could include around half a pint of regular strength beer, a single shot of spirits or a very small glass of wine.
However, symptoms such as headache are not always determined by alcohol quantity alone.
Alcohol as a Migraine Trigger
While the mechanisms are not fully understood alcohol is a widely reported migraine trigger for some people. The main symptoms of a migraine usually include throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
Other symptoms preceding an attack can include:
- Feeling very tired and yawning a lot
- Craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
- Changes in your mood
- A stiff neck
- Peeing more
Migraine symptoms can begin soon after drinking rather than the following morning. If you do suffer from recurring headaches and migraine symptoms, it may help to track possible triggers including alcohol and speak to your GP.
Alcohol Intolerance
Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty processing alcohol efficiently. It can cause a distinctive flush that is sometimes known as Asian flush due to its frequent occurrence in people of East Asian descent.
As well as facial flushing, possible symptoms can include nausea, a rapid heartbeat, a blocked or runny nose – and headache. These symptoms can come on quite quickly and potentially after a single drink.
Alcohol intolerance is not the same as an allergy to alcohol, although the two are often confused. It is a genetic predisposition and happens because of an inherited lack of a certain enzyme. If you do experience unexplained or severe reactions to alcohol or other substances, you should consult a medical professional.
Ingredients in Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is not the only ingredient in alcoholic drinks. They also contain compounds such as congeners, histamine, sulphites and tannins, which can have different effects on people.
Some people report different reactions to different alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits or darker alcoholic drinks. For example, red wine can trigger headaches in some people and it’s currently thought that this may be down to a certain type of plant compound known as a flavanol. Mixers and other ingredients can also add to the mix and possible reactions in some people.
Dehydration and Other Contributing Factors
Another major culprit – especially on the morning after – is dehydration. Alcohol us a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more. Along with putting pressure on the kidneys, this can lead to dehydration, which in turn is associated with headaches.
Drinking on an empty stomach, insufficient sleep, stress and pre-existing dehydration can all ad to the effects, but dehydration is unlikely to cause a headache on its own after a single drink.
Could Medication Be Involved?
Alcohol can sometimes interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. There can be a wide range of possible side effects and some combinations could potentially cause dizziness, drowsiness or headaches. You should always check the patient information leaflet or ask a pharmacist or prescriber before drinking on medications.
What Can You Do About Alcohol-Related Headaches?
If you experience what you believe may be an alcohol-related headache you should stop drinking, rest and drink water slowly. It’s best to ask a pharmacist about appropriate pain relief because some medicines may be unsuitable.
Note the type and amount of alcohol consumed and any accompanying symptoms. Avoiding alcohol entirely may be the safest option though if even small amounts cause symptoms regularly or consistently.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
You should speak to a GP if headaches occur repeatedly after small quantities of alcohol.
You should also seek medical advice if any headache is accompanied by warning signs such as sudden severe pain, weakness, confusion, fainting, seizures, breathing difficulty or swelling. You should call 999 for a sudden severe headache accompanied by neurological symptoms or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
When Drinking Becomes a Wider Concern
Drinking may be more of an issue if you continue to drink despite negative consequences that could include regular headaches or severe hangovers. Some other signs to watch out for include a difficulty in cutting down or inability to stop drinking, increasing tolerance – meaning you need to drink more for the same effect, cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink. People who are physically dependent should not stop drinking suddenly without medical guidance as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially dangerous.
Rehab Clinics Group can offer alcohol treatment services to address physical dependence and detoxification, as well as the psychological aspects of addiction. If you are concerned about your drinking, get in touch today for confidential help and advice.
