Alcohol-Induced Headache: A Narrative Review Based on Migraine Pathophysiology

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.