Alcohol Hangover Headache

What are the features of alcohol hangover headache (AHH)

Alcohol hangover or “veisalgia” (from the Norwegian kveis for uneasiness following debauchery and the Greek algia for pain) may include

Physical Symptoms of alcohol hangover headache

• headache
• anorexia
• diarrhea
• tremulousness
• dizziness
• fatigue
• nausea

Sympathetic Symptoms of alcohol hangover headache

• tachycardia
• sweating

Cognitive and mood symptoms of alcohol hangover headache

• decreased attention and concentration
• decreased visuospatial skills and dexterity
• depression
• anxiety
• irritability

AHH is typically a throbbing headache with a lifetime prevalence of 72%.

The headache usually occurs on the morning after alcohol consumption when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is falling.

Peak symptoms occur at about the time when the BAC is 0 and may continue for up to 24 hours afterward.

Symptoms may correlate with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Hangover is much more common in light to moderate drinkers than in regular heavy drinkers.

Alcohol consumption may also trigger migraine and CH.

How can you decrease the risk of and treat Alcohol Hangover Headache? 

AHH occurs more often with dark-colored drinks with congeners (which are natural byproducts of alcohol fermentation) such as whiskey, bourbon, and red wine than in noncongeners such as vodka, gin, and white wine. 

The effects of AHH may be decreased by the following:

• drinking in moderation;
• sipping beverages slowly;
• eating greasy foods before alcohol consumption to slow or delay alcohol absorption;
• ingestion of honey, tomato juice, and food rich in fructose, which may allow for more effective metabolism of alcohol;
• adequate sleep;
• quit smoking;
• remaining hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids to prevent dehydration;
• caffeine intake;
• Use of NSAIDs such as mefenamic acid for symptomatic treatment (but gastroduodenal risk)

Sources

• Saitowitz Z, Flamini R, Berenson F: Ictal epileptic headache: a review of current literature and differentiation from migralepsy and other epilepsies. Headache 54(9):1534-1540, 2014. 
• Evans RW, Sun C, Lay C: Alcohol hangover headache. Headache 47(2):277-279, 2007.