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IHSDiagnosisICD-10
8.1.4.2Delayed alcohol-induced headache [F10] G44.83  
Previously used terms Hangover headache

Diagnostic criteria:

  1. Headache with at least one of the following characteristics and fulfilling criteria C and D:
    1. bilateral
    2. frontotemporal location
    3. pulsating quality
    4. aggravated by physical activity
  2. Ingestion of a modest amount of alcoholic beverage by a migraine sufferer or an intoxicating amount by a non-migraine sufferer
  3. Headache develops after blood alcohol level declines or reduces to zero
  4. Headache resolves within 72 hours

Comment:

This is one of the commonest types of headache. It remains unclear whether, in addition to alcohol, other components of alcoholic beverages play a role. It also remains uncertain whether the mechanism is a delayed response to toxic effects or whether mechanisms similar to those responsible for delayed NO donor-induced headache may be involved.

The susceptibility to hangover headache of well-diagnosed headache patients compared with non-headache sufferers has not been determined. In migraine sufferers a migraine attack can be induced the next day after modest intake of alcoholic beverages, while non-migraineurs usually need a high intake of alcoholic beverages in order to develop 8.1.4.2 Delayed alcohol-induced headache.