Delayed alcohol induced headache (DAIH)

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Delayed alcohol induced headache (DAIH). This develops 5-12 hours after alcohol consumption. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Clinical features

  • This develops 5-12 hours after alcohol consumption
  • It usually starts on awakening
  • It resolves within 72 hours
  • It is bilateral with a frontal predominance
  • It is throbbing or pressing
  • There may be hypersensitivity to stimuli
  • It may have features of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache
  • It is moderate intensity: severity is related to amount of alcohol consumed
  • It is worsened by physical activity

Pathogenesis

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References

  1. García-Azorín D, Aparicio-Cordero L, Talavera B, Johnson A, Schytz HW, Guerrero-Peral ÁL. Clinical characterization of delayed alcohol-induced headache: a study of 1,108 participants. Neurology 2020; 95:e2161-e2169.
  2. Kuster GW, da Silva AL, Aquino CH, Ziviani LF, Domingues RB. Frequency and features of delayed alcohol-induced headache among university students. Headache 2006; 46:688-691.

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