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in General Factchecking by Newbie (440 points)
Caffeine can cause headaches. Caffeine also is something that relieves headaches, which is why it is in a lot of pain medication. the caffeine helps to reduce inflammation, and in headaches the caffeine narrows the blood vessels, which decreases pain. even the withdrawl of caffeine causes headaches because when you stop drinking caffeine after a while, your blood vessels then start to expand again, causing the headache.
by (100 points)
0 0
This article has a good amount of evidence to prove its claim is true but I do believe that caffeine can also be used to relive headaches. Since caffeine is shown as a temporary solution it should not always be relied on for a cure to headaches. Caffeine is seen in a lot of medications and shown to help with lots of symptoms you may see while sick. Although people do not realize that caffiene is addictive and while taking large amounts of it and then cutting back can cause headaches.
by Newbie (300 points)
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Good explanation! But I think there’s more to it, caffeine can help headaches in the short term, but if you use it too often, it can actually cause more headaches over time. This is called "rebound headaches," and it happens when your body gets used to caffeine and then reacts when you don’t have it. Your source is good, but adding one that talks about long-term effects could make your fact-check even stronger!
ago by Newbie (230 points)
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This article does a good job of supporting your claim. An overconsumption of caffeine can definitely cause a headache but it is accurate that caffeine is in a lot of medicines. Many researchers suggest that caffeine can constrict blood vessels, while alleviates pain during a headache. Plus, regular caffeine consumption can reduce the frequency of certain headaches over time, so in that case a withdrawal of caffeine may trigger headaches for people due to the body’s adjustment to the lack of caffeine.
ago by (100 points)
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This claim is true. There are many causes for headaches and caffeine has proved to be one of them. Drinking too much caffeine can constrict the blood vessels in the brain which creates headaches. Dependency on the effects of caffeine in the brain can also create headaches from the withdrawal. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-caffeine-treat-or-trigger-headaches
ago by Newbie (320 points)
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I also have personal experience with caffeine headaches, but just because it happens to you doesn't mean it's a universal issue. I would recommend finding a reliable source to back this claim up.

77 Answers

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ago by Newbie (310 points)

The claim that caffeine causes headaches is true. According to the article “The caffeine connection between coffee and headaches” by UCLA Health, caffeine narrows blood vessels, therefore lessening headache pain. However, a sudden lack of caffeine can dilate blood vessels and thus lead to headache pain. Another article called “Does caffeine treat or trigger headaches?” by Mayo Clinic Health System, supports the claim that caffeine can cause headaches by stating that when caffeine is consumed regularly, the body becomes dependent on its effects. When caffeine consumption is suddenly stopped, the blood vessels that were once narrowed now become enlarged and cause an increase in blood flow around the brain, which causes pressure around the surrounding nerves. This pressure is what causes headaches. 

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/caffeine-connection-between-coffee-and-headaches

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-caffeine-treat-or-trigger-headaches

True
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ago by Newbie (350 points)
After doing some research this claim seems to be true. The source that was used seems to be pretty reliable giving a good amount of information about caffeine being a source for headaches. I found a source from the Mayo Clinic that talked about how caffeine can cause headaches due to consuming it regularly causing a dependency. When you stop consuming it you can end up getting caffeine withdrawal headaches. This source also mentioned how caffeine can provide relief for headaches as well due to it narrowing blood vessels, which restricts blood flow and alleviates the pain. Overall this claim that caffeine causes headaches is true, but it can also provide relief for headaches as well.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-caffeine-treat-or-trigger-headaches
True
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ago by Newbie (410 points)

Based on my research, I've come to the conclusion that the claim is true. Neurologist Kelli Tornstorm provided us with credible information and insight as to what exactly happens to cause a headache from caffeine. She states that, "When caffeine is consumed regularly, the body becomes dependent on its effects. And because caffeine narrows the blood vessels that surround the brain, when consumption is stopped, the blood vessels enlarge. This causes an increase in blood flow around the brain and pressures surrounding nerves. This can then trigger what is known as a caffeine withdrawal headache." 

Caffeine's effect on headaches - Mayo Clinic Health System

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ago by Newbie (330 points)

Drinking caffeine does not directly give you a headache unless it is a very large amount. Usually when people get headaches it is from the lack of caffeine after being used to having caffeine all of the time, this is known as a caffeine withdrawal headache. The source you used is known to be a very reliable medical journal. I looked at another journal to double check your claims and found very similar information. "When caffeine is consumed regularly, the body becomes dependent on its effects. And because caffeine narrows the blood vessels that surround the brain, when consumption is stopped, the blood vessels enlarge. This causes an increase in blood flow around the brain and pressures surrounding nerves. This can then trigger what is known as a caffeine withdrawal headache." 

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-caffeine-treat-or-trigger-headaches

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0 like 0 dislike
ago by Novice (730 points)
Yes, the statement that caffeine can cause headaches is generally correct. However, there are numerous factors that can be attributed to it. According to the WebMD source, caffeine headaches can be due to dehydration, medication overuse, sleep deprivation, caffeine withdrawals, and more. Sources support these findings, noting that caffeine can have a variety of effects on headaches, as well as sources also find that caffeine can actually also help fight headaches. Therefore, the statement is somewhat more complex than caffeine alone simply causing headaches. But generally, yes, caffeine can contribute to headaches.

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/caffeine-connection-between-coffee-and-headaches

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-caffeine-treat-or-trigger-headaches

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385675/
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ago by Newbie (380 points)

Caffeine is a dual-edged sword when it comes to the relationship with headaches. On the one hand, regular consumers of caffeine will experience withdrawal headaches when use is suddenly decreased, as the blood vessels enlarge. On the other hand, caffeine alleviates headaches by contracting the same blood vessels. Too much caffeine can be the cause of headaches, too. The catch is that the causes of headaches are many, ranging from sleep patterns to dehydration to as simple as the consumption of sugar. Caffeine can definitely be the offender, so it is good to remember to factor in sensitivity as well as other likely contributing factors. Gradually phasing off the use of caffeine will determine whether it is the primary cause of frequent headaches.

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/caffeine-connection-between-coffee-and-headaches

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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ago by Newbie (320 points)
This is true. Caffeine is a stimulant and can narrow blood vessels in the brain which can relieve headaches caused by dilated blood vessels. However, when regular caffeine consumption is suddenly reduced, it can lead to withdrawal headaches due to vessel dilation. When people experience morning headaches after repeated high caffeine usage, this could be related to either caffeine withdrawal or other factors such as sleep issues, dehydration, or high blood pressure. It is recommended to gradually reduce caffeine intake to assess its impact on headaches, particularly for older adults, whose caffeine tolerance may change with age.

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/caffeine-connection-between-coffee-and-headaches#:~:text=Caffeine%20also%20narrows%20blood%20vessels,surrounding%20tissues%2C%20which%20triggers%20pain.
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