$Unique_ID{BRK00480}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Red Wine and Migraine Headaches}
$Subject{migraine wine}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Red Wine and Migraine Headaches


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QUESTION:  I suffer from migraine headaches on an irregular basis.  However,
one little glass of red wine, and I am down for the count.  What puzzles me
though, is that my girlfriend, who also suffers with migraine, can drink
regularly with no ill effects whatsoever.  Do you have any explanations for
this puzzle.

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ANSWER:  Many migraine sufferers have similar stories to tell, for research
tells us that about 25% of patients with this painful and disabling type of
headache, relate the onset of an attack to some specific beverage or food.
The chief culprit is identified as alcohol, but even here there are some
notable differences.  Many patients can get by with a drink or two from time
to time, but those who drink red wine are generally the ones with acute onset
of headache, usually within three hours after imbibing.  White wine drinkers
do not suffer similarly, nor do those who drink other forms of alcohol, such
as vodka or even beer.  We know that red wine contain certain substances not
found in other alcoholic drinks.  One such chemical that is frequently thought
to be the cause is tyramine, which has an action in the body similar to
adrenalin.  Another group of chemicals found in red wine are the flavenoids,
that produce the color of the wine, and they too can be cause of your problem.
In general the rule is simple, if a food or drink causes the onset of a
migraine, you should drop it from your diet permanently.  It might be
interesting to compare your choices of beverage with your non-suffering
girlfriend and see if this explanation answers the question in your case.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
