Headache and Pain Research

Review Article

Alcohol-Induced Headache: A Narrative Review Based on Migraine Pathophysiology: Woo-Seok Ha; Headache Pain Res. 2026;27(1):21-29. Published online February 23, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0027

Abstract PDF: Alcohol-induced headache (AIH) is one of the most common headache experiences and is associated with a substantial socioeconomic burden; however, its pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical classification remain inadequately defined. Accumulating evidence indicates that AIH shares key biological pathways with migraine, particularly involving activation of the trigeminovascular system and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling. Although currently available hangover remedies are supported by limited high-quality evidence, anti-CGRP treatments have emerged as a biologically plausible option for the situational prevention and acute treatment of AIH. A phenotype-based approach is therefore essential for achieving accurate diagnosis and effective management of alcohol-related headaches. Future well-designed clinical trials focusing on CGRP antagonists are warranted to address this common yet neglected disorder.

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