These signs and symptoms develop because this type of tumor produces an excess of chemical compounds called catecholamines.

CNN: Pheochromocytoma

It's not clear why alcohol might be helpful, although it could dampen the impact of catecholamines, hormones like adrenaline and dopamine that are released by the body after a traumatic injury, according to Salim.

CNN: Alcohol may protect the brain during an accident