What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cocktail Headache
• Hangover Headache

What is Alcohol-Induced Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Alcohol-Induced Headache is described as a form of spontaneously resolving headache that develops secondary to alcohol intake. The onset of the headache may be immediate or after a short interval of time following consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Based on the time duration of development of the headache, there are two forms of Alcohol-Induced Headache, namely:
  • Immediate Alcohol-Induced Headache - it is rarely observed
  • Delayed Alcohol-Induced Headache - it is very commonly observed
• Alcohol-Induced Headaches may be mild or severe in intensity, involve both sides of the head, and present a pulsating quality. In some individuals, physical activity or exercise may worsen the condition
• Individuals with a history of migraines or tension-type headaches may develop Alcohol-Induced Headaches even with the intake of a small quantity of alcohol

The criteria for diagnosis of Alcohol-Induced Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Alcohol has been ingested
• Headache fulfilling all the criterion below

For Immediate Alcohol-Induced Headache - evidence of causation demonstrated by all of the following:

• Headache has developed within 3 hours of alcohol ingestion
• Headache has resolved within 72 hours after alcohol ingestion has ceased
• Headache has at least one of the following three characteristics:
  • Bilateral
  • Pulsating quality
  • Aggravated by physical activity
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

For Delayed Alcohol-Induced Headache - evidence of causation demonstrated by all of the following:

• Headache has developed within 5-12 hours of alcohol ingestion
• Headache has resolved within 72 hours of onset
• Headache has at least one of the following three characteristics:
  • Bilateral
  • Pulsating quality
  • Aggravated by physical activity
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)