However, not all experts agree with this theory, so more research is needed ( 4, 5).Įven though caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, caffeine is used to treat certain types of headaches like migraines.Ĭaffeine helps enhance the power of pain-relieving medications and reduces headache pain when consumed on its own ( 6). Headaches will subside as the brain adapts to this increase in blood flow. This sudden change in blood flow can cause painful withdrawal headaches that can vary in length and severity as the brain adapts to the increase in blood.
It is thought that since caffeine consumption causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing or stopping intake allows blood vessels to open up and increases blood flow to the brain ( 4). One 2009 study found that just 250 milligrams (less than three cups of coffee) can reduce cerebral blood flow by as much as 27% ( 4).
Headaches are among the most commonly reported symptoms of caffeine withdrawal ( 3).Ĭaffeine causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict, which slows blood flow.
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