Brain Freeze: What Causes It & How To Stop It

This phenomenon is commonly known as brain freeze or ice cream headache, scientifically referred to as cold neuralgia or sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. These complex terms describe a short-lived yet distressing experience.

Ice cream headache, also known as brain freeze, is a sharp and intense sensation of pain in the head that occurs after consuming cold foods or beverages. Fortunately, it is not a serious condition and typically subsides within a few seconds or minutes. If you find yourself experiencing a brain freeze, there are ways to alleviate it by restoring the temperature in your mouth and throat to normal. Here are some effective techniques to help thaw that brain freeze.

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Understanding Brain Freeze root cause

The cause of ice cream headaches is still a subject of various theories. One plausible explanation is that consuming a significant amount of extremely cold food or beverage leads to a significant drop in the temperature of the palate (the roof of the mouth). As a survival response to maintain the body's core temperature, the blood vessels in the palate automatically constrict.

Following this constriction, the blood vessels quickly dilate, resulting in a rebound effect. This dilation triggers a pain signal through the trigeminal nerve, which extends into the midface and forehead. The experience of an ice cream headache exemplifies referred pain, wherein changes occurring in one part of the body manifest as pain in another. Specifically, the sudden tightening and relaxation of the small muscles around the blood vessels in the palate are perceived as discomfort higher up in the head.

A phenomenon known as brain freeze manifests as a short-lived yet intense pain in the frontal region of the head. This sensation arises from the consumption or inhalation of extremely cold substances, including freezing air, frozen slushies or beverages, ice cubes, ice cream, and ice pops (commonly referred to as popsicles). Brain freeze is often colloquially referred to as an ice cream headache, cold stimulus headache or cold-induced headache, while its technical designation is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.

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Studies indicate that individuals who experience migraines are more prone to brain freeze episodes. Interestingly, the pain associated with brain freeze headaches is described as more intense and piercing compared to migraines. These headaches can both manifest in the forehead region and cause pulsating discomfort.

Fortunately, the duration of brain freeze headaches is typically brief, with approximately 98 percent of individuals reporting episodes lasting less than five minutes.

Brain freeze can affect anyone, but children may be more susceptible due to their tendency to devour icy treats without pacing themselves. It is during these enjoyable moments, such as indulging in an ice pop, that they may unknowingly trigger a brain freeze.

Furthermore, certain studies suggest that individuals who experience migraine headaches are more prone to sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, the scientific term for brain freeze.

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Symptoms of Brain Freeze

Brain freeze, also known as cold-stimulus headache, is triggered by consuming cold foods or beverages. Symptoms may arise when indulging in ice cream, slushies, popsicles, or chilled drinks. These symptoms typically include:

• Pain in the forehead or temples
• Immediate onset following contact with the cold substance on the palate (roof of the mouth)
• Intense pain
• Resolves within approximately 10 minutes

Interestingly, exposure to extremely low environmental temperatures can also lead to brain freeze. For instance, inhaling cold air or submerging oneself in cold water may result in a similar cold-stimulus headache.

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Diagnosis of Brain Freeze

Formal diagnosis is typically not necessary for brain freeze as the cause and symptoms are usually apparent and short-lived.

However, the International Headache Society (IHS) has established diagnostic criteria for cold-stimulus headaches, which include:

• Headache occurring specifically upon exposure to cold stimuli on the head or palate
• Headache subsiding within 10-30 minutes after discontinuing the cold stimulus
• Absence of an alternative headache diagnosis to explain the symptoms

Brain freeze commonly manifests as a sudden and intense headache following the consumption of extremely cold substances.

If you encounter a sudden and severe headache that persists after consuming something cold, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Similarly, if you experience an abrupt and severe headache without exposure to cold air, water, or food, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as it may potentially indicate a medical emergency.

Is there any treatment for Brain Freeze?

The most effective approach is to discontinue consumption of the food responsible for the brain freeze. Fortunately, brain freeze is typically brief, so once you eliminate the trigger, it tends to dissipate naturally. Additionally, you can try the following techniques:

• Apply gentle pressure with your thumb on the roof of your mouth to warm it up.
• Resume eating slowly, allowing your mouth to adjust gradually.
• Drink a warm beverage to help regulate the temperature.
• Warm up cold food in your mouth by holding it for a moment before swallowing.

You might be tempted to alleviate the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). However, it's important to note that such medication is often ineffective as the brain freeze typically subsides before the pain relief takes effect.

How do I make it go away?

If you experience an ice cream headache, attempt to restore the normal temperature in your mouth and throat:

Cease consuming the cold item or remove yourself from the cold environment. Sip on a warm or room-temperature beverage, avoiding extremes of temperature. Apply gentle pressure with your tongue or thumb to the roof of your mouth to transfer warmth.

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How do I prevent it?

To minimize the occurrence of brain freeze, it's important to prevent abrupt and drastic temperature changes in the mouth, throat, and head. Here are some recommendations:

Steer clear of extremely cold food, beverages, and chilled air. Consume cold items at a leisurely pace, avoiding rapid intake. Employ a protective measure like a scarf or face mask to shield yourself from frigid air.

Apply gentle pressure with your tongue on the roof of your mouth to provide warmth and alleviate the discomfort. Slightly tilt your head backward for approximately 10 seconds. Opt for a warmer beverage compared to the cold substance that triggered the headache. Take small bites or sips, allowing them to warm on your tongue prior to contacting the roof of your mouth. Create a makeshift mask with your hands, covering your mouth and nose, and take rapid breaths. Use your thumb to press against the roof of your mouth. Interestingly, you can potentially prevent brain freeze by keeping the cold substance in contact with the roof of your mouth before swallowing. However, this method may seem counterintuitive, leading many individuals to dismiss it without trying! And don't worry, giving up frozen treats altogether was just a jest!

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When should you reach out to a healthcare professional?

Identifying a brain freeze is typically straightforward, as it is directly linked to consuming cold foods. However, it is important not to dismiss every sudden, severe headache, as some can be indicative of a serious medical condition, such as a stroke, brain infection, or tumor. It is crucial to pay attention to any unusual or concerning symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention if needed.

It is important to be aware of certain warning signs that may require medical attention. These include:

• Fever
• Unconsciousness
• A past record of tumors
• Sudden onset of headache
• Aged above 65
• New or altered headache pattern
• Headache worsened by changes in position
• Headaches during pregnancy or postpartum
• Headache caused by a head injury
• Headache accompanied by changes in vision
• Headache triggered bycoughing, sneezing, or exercise
• Headache in individuals with immune system disorders, such as HIV
• Headache resulting from excessive use of painkillers

If you experience any of these warning signs along with your headache, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

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The Final Conclusion

Ice cream headache, also known as brain freeze, is a rapid and intense headache that occurs in the forehead and temples following the consumption of cold foods, such as ice cream. Medically referred to as cold-stimulus headache, this phenomenon occurs when the sudden temperature change in the palate leads to the rapid constriction and dilation of blood vessels. This vascular response triggers a pain signal that reaches the brain, resulting in a headache.

Fortunately, brain freeze is typically short-lived and subsides within approximately 10 minutes after discontinuing the cold food. To prevent or alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to consume cold foods slowly, allow them to warm in the mouth before swallowing, and supplement with warm beverages.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all abrupt and severe headaches are harmless. Occasionally, they can be indicative of more serious conditions such as a stroke or a tumor. If your headache is not related to cold stimuli or does not resolve promptly on its own, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.