What Causes Headaches After Drinking Alcohol?
May 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Headache after drinking alcohol is actually one of the complications associated with alcohol consumption, and there are two primary mechanisms. First, alcohol causes rapid dilation of blood vessels—including cerebral vessels—leading to vascular headache. Second, many individuals experience a marked increase in blood pressure after drinking; this hypertensive surge can trigger severe headache. Additionally, all alcoholic beverages—beyond their ethanol content—may also contain phenolic compounds and higher alcohols (congeners), which can contribute to headache development.
Alcohol is a naturally occurring organic compound produced by fermenting, distilling, or blending raw materials—such as fruits, plant roots and tubers containing sufficient sugar, or cereals and foods rich in starch—to yield beverages containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol) suitable for human consumption. So, why does drinking alcohol cause headaches?
Why Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Headaches?
Headache after alcohol consumption is actually one of its common complications and can occur in two primary ways. First, alcohol causes rapid dilation of blood vessels—including cerebral vessels—leading to vascular headache. Second, many individuals experience a marked rise in blood pressure after drinking; this hypertensive response may trigger severe headache. Additionally, all alcoholic beverages contain not only ethanol but also other compounds such as phenolic substances and higher alcohols. These substances can interfere with cerebral cellular metabolism, potentially causing varying degrees of cerebral hypoxia and cerebral edema. In such cases, intracranial pressure may increase, resulting in headache.
Moreover, alcohol exerts an initial stimulatory effect on many people. Following this phase of excitation, increased cerebral blood flow and elevated blood pressure may themselves precipitate headache. Therefore, experiencing headache after drinking suggests that the individual may be generally unsuited to alcohol consumption—or at least unsuited to the specific type of alcoholic beverage that triggered the headache.
Drinking plenty of water—or honey water or sugared water—can gradually alleviate headache symptoms and accelerate alcohol metabolism. However, avoid tea, as it may worsen headache. We hope this explanation proves helpful!
