The chill factor: Understanding the brain freeze phenomenon

Brain freeze occurs when the upper palate comes into contact with something exceedingly cold. It usually occurs when you take anything cold too quickly in sweltering conditions.

Acute throbbing pain in the forehead or temples, also referred to as an ice cream headache or cold stimulation headache, is a common experience. Although unsure of the specific cause, scientists reckon rapid changes in the blood flow to the brain may be to blame.

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What causes brain freeze?

Consuming ice cream can cause instant headache. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

You can experience the dreaded brain freeze if you consume that icy dessert too rapidly. It's believed that the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory data from the face and around the head to the brain triggers the agony associated with brain freeze.

Once initiated, the cooling causes the blood vessels to close. The body pumps more blood to the damaged area to warm it up to react to the abrupt temperature shift, which causes the blood vessels to expand.

It's hypothesized that the restrictions and subsequent rush of blood are what causes brain freeze agony. A headache is what the brain freeze is fundamentally about; it appears suddenly and disappears just as quickly.

The most frequent causes of brain-freezing headaches are consumed or breathed substances, like ice cream, sorbet, cold air, ice cubes, popsicles or slushies. Unlike other types of headaches that frequently result in symptoms like nausea, dizziness or weariness, brain freezing is usually isolated and only lasts a relatively brief period. Brain freeze usually passes within two minutes.

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How long does it last?

Brain freezing lasts for a short while. (Image via Unsplash/ Beth MacDonald)

Brain freeze discomfort typically goes away in 30 seconds or less, unlike migraines and other headaches. However, it may last for a few minutes.

Stopping or decreasing the ingestion of whatever's causing the discomfort is the best strategy to treat brain freeze. It only continues for as long as it takes the blood to rewarm. Therefore, the blood flow duration decreases as it warms up more quickly.

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Is it connected to migraines?

According to research, people who get migraines are more likely to experience brain freeze. Such headaches hurt more sharply and intensely than migraines do.

Both types of headaches can cause throbbing discomfort in the forehead. Fortunately, brain-freeze headaches only last five minutes or fewer in 98 percent of patients.

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How to ease brain freeze headaches?

Take shorter bites to prevent brain-freezing. (Image via Unsplash/Parker Johnson)

Act quickly if brain-freeze strikes. Remove any cold food or liquid from your mouth if at all feasible, and press your tongue or thumb against the roof of your mouth. Warm water consumption is also beneficial. When eating or drinking something cold, experts advise taking smaller bites or sips and warming them in your mouth before swallowing.

By the time you take action to ease the discomfort, it will probably have passed by the time you do, and you will be back relishing your summer day and more ice cream.

A brain freeze normally passes in a few minutes and doesn't require medical intervention. However, if your headaches become more frequent, more intense, or persist for longer than a few minutes, it's important to consult a medical practitioner.