Brain & Nervous System Headaches Causes & Risk Factors What Is an MSG Headache? Monosodium glutamate is a food additive some people are sensitive to By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 09, 2022 Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD LinkedIn Diana Apetauerova, MD, is board-certified in neurology with a subspecialty in movement disorders. She is an associate clinical professor of neurology at Tufts School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms of MSG Headache Causes Prevention Treatment An MSG headache is a headache that occurs after eating foods containing the common food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). This symptom is part of what's called MSG symptom complex, a broader set of symptoms that can occur with MSG consumption. These include sweating, facial pressure, and flushing. Jamie Grill / Getty Images This article reviews the symptoms of an MSG headache, why they may occur, how to treat them, and how to prevent them. What Is MSG? Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in the body and many foods, like cheese and tomatoes. MSG can also be produced through the fermentation of starch, sugar, or molasses and added to foods to enhance flavor. Symptoms of MSG Headache Most people with an MSG-related headache describe a tightening or even burning head sensation. People will also commonly notice muscle tenderness around their skull. In people with a history of migraines, MSG can be a trigger. In this instance, people usually report a classic throbbing or pulsating headache. An MSG-induced headache typically develops within 1 hour of consuming MSG and resolves within 72 hours of MSG consumption. Also, an MSG-induced headache has at least one of the following five characteristics: Bilateral (i.e., both sides of the head)Mild to moderate intensityPulsating quality (i.e., throbbing)—like a migraineAssociated with other symptoms including facial flushing, chest and face pressure, burning feeling in the neck, shoulder, and/or chest, dizziness, and stomach discomfort.Aggravated by physical activity Individuals with an intolerance to MSG may also experience a cluster of other symptoms that may include: Muscle pains Facial pressure Nausea Flushing Tingling Why Does MSG Give You a Headache? The mechanism behind why MSG may give you a headache is not fully understood and more research is needed. MSG is an excitatory amino acid that binds to MNDA receptions in the brain. This activation leads to the release of nitric oxide, which then leads to the dilation or widening of blood vessels around the skull. A study published in the journal Cephalalgia also found that people who consumed a high amount of MSG—such as a sugar-free soda containing 150mg/kg of MSG—had an increase in their blood pressure, although this was temporary. Chronic daily intake of high doses of MSG may also cause fatigue. Prevention For people who are sensitive to MSG, the only treatment is to avoid foods containing MSG. Foods that commonly contain added MSG are soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats. Though generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, added MSG must be listed in the ingredients list on food packaging. Look for these terms: Monosodium glutamate or MSGHydrolyzed fatHydrolyzed proteinAll-natural preservatives Sodium or calcium caseinateAutolyzed yeast or yeast extractTextured proteinGlutamic acidMonopotassium glutamateGelatinSoy protein isolateSoy extracts When dining out, ask if the restaurant uses MSG ingredients. You can also try eating at least 1 cup of complex carbohydrates, such as rice or pasta, with any meal that may contain MSG since this may help to minimize its potential negative effects. Treatment MSG-induced symptoms are typically not severe and subside on their own entirely within 72 hours. However, if you have mild symptoms do not appear to resolve or continue worsening after 48 hours, speak to your healthcare provider, as it may be something more serious. To help you get rid of an MSG headache faster, drink only water, and a lot of it—at least half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink at least 75 ounces of water. Adequate hydration will help your kidneys to process MSG and flush it from your system. In addition, limit sodium intake until symptoms dissipate. Sodium promotes water retention and will make it harder for your body to release the MSG through urination. A Word From Verywell If you suspect MSG is a headache or migraine trigger for you, avoiding it is probably your best bet. Unlike other food sensitivities, it is unlikely that you can build up a tolerance for MSG. The best way to avoid MSG is to read food labels and inquire at restaurants if MSG has been added to any foods. Keeping a diary of your headache symptoms and possible triggers can help you and your healthcare provider to pinpoint the causes of your headaches and develop the right treatment plan for you. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658 Baad-hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P. Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity. Cephalalgia. 2010;30(1):68-76. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x Food & Drug Administration. Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG). National Headache Foundation. Monosodium glutamate (MSG). Popkin BM, D'anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x Additional Reading Baad-Hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P. Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity. Cephalalgia. 2010 Jan;30(1):68-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x. Cleveland Clinic. Foods That Trigger Headaches. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-food Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi: 10.1177/0333102413485658 Mayo Clinic. What Is MSG? Is It Bad For You? www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196 National Headache Foundation. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). headaches.org/2007/10/25/monosodium-glutamate-msg/ National Headache Institute. MSG and Headaches: What Is the Relationship? nationalheadacheinstitute.com/blog/msg-and-headaches-relationship/ Shimada A, Cairns BE, Vad N, et al. Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG). J Headache Pain. 2013;14:2. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG). www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit