Researchers at the Jefferson Headache Center suggest that migraine sufferers may be more likely to develop an alcohol induced headache after an evening of consuming alcoholic beverages.
It was originally thought that either dehydration, caused by the alcohol consumption, or impurities in the alcohol, caused the headache. In their experiment with rats that got migraines, they made sure the rats stayed well hydrated and provided alcohol that was impurity free.
The rats that got migraines had more pain several hours after alcohol consumption than the rats that didn’t get migraines.
Whether or not the study applies to humans, is not clear. However, if you do experience your share of headaches after drinking alcohol and also suffer from migraines, this may be why.
Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.
