Got ice‑cream brain freeze? Here's what is happening

As temperatures climb to around 37°C (99°F) in certain areas, indulging in a cold dessert like ice cream or an icy beverage may appear enticing. However, an unexpected consequence could arise: a sharp, stabbing pain known as brain freeze. This intense sensation, officially termed a cold-stimulus headache, is described by the International Headache Society as a headache brought on by consuming something extremely cold.

The term "brain freeze" or "ice cream headache" is more commonly used in reference to this fleeting discomfort. Surprisingly, brain freeze is a frequent occurrence, with a study involving 618 individuals between the ages of 17 and 63 revealing that more than half of the participants had experienced it. The exact cause of brain freeze remains elusive, primarily due to the brief nature of the headache, which makes it challenging to study.

One hypothesis suggests that the trigeminal nerve, responsible for transmitting sensory information, including pain and temperature, from the face and mouth to the brain, may play a crucial role. When the roof of the mouth or the back of the throat is suddenly chilled by cold food or drink, this nerve pathway could be activated, resulting in the sudden pain experienced.

Interestingly, the pain from brain freeze is not localized to the mouth where the cold stimulus originates; instead, it is commonly felt in the forehead or temples, a phenomenon known as referred pain. This discrepancy may contribute to the sensation of pain occurring in an area other than where the initial trigger lies. Additionally, blood flow alterations might also contribute to the occurrence of brain freeze.

Some studies have observed changes in blood-flow velocity in the brain's arteries when inducing brain freeze with ice water. While the widely accepted explanation attributes the pain to the cold narrowing blood vessels and subsequently expanding them abruptly, the current research indicates a more complex interplay between nerve signaling and changes in blood circulation.

The connection between brain freeze and migraines is not as straightforward as it may seem. While certain studies propose a link, others have yielded contrasting results. For instance, one study of 669 women found that those with a history of migraine were nearly twice as likely to experience a headache after consuming ice-cold water compared to those without a migraine history.

Conversely, a 2020 study indicated no significant difference in the likelihood of experiencing brain freeze between individuals with migraine and those without, though those who did experience it generally reported a more intense pain. In some cases, brain freeze may even serve as a precursor to a migraine attack for certain individuals with migraines.

However, the exact relationship between the two types of headaches is still not entirely clear. Brain freeze is particularly prevalent among children and teenagers, with a survey of 8,359 adolescents revealing that 41% had experienced an ice cream headache. One potential factor contributing to the likelihood of developing brain freeze is the speed at which one consumes cold food or drink.

A Canadian experiment involving 145 schoolchildren provided insight into this aspect. Participants were given 100 mL of ice cream and divided into two groups: one required to eat the ice cream within five seconds, while the other had more than 30 seconds. The fast-eating group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of brain freeze, with 27% of participants affected, as opposed to 13% among those who ate more slowly.

Consequently, there is some scientific basis for the common advice given by parents to their children while watching them devour an ice cream cone: slow down. Prevention appears to be more effective than attempting to alleviate the headache once it has occurred. In the Canadian study, consuming the ice cream rapidly more than doubled the probability of experiencing brain freeze.

Furthermore, a study found that 73% of individuals who experienced brain freeze reported that eating or drinking cold substances more slowly reduced the frequency or intensity of the headache. While most episodes of brain freeze are relatively brief, lasting less than 30 seconds, some instances have been observed lasting up to nearly four minutes.

The International Headache Society's diagnostic criteria acknowledge that the headache can persist for up to 10 minutes after the cold stimulus has been removed. Despite numerous attempts, popular remedies such as pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth have not been consistently proven to hasten the resolution of brain freeze.

Thankfully, once the cold stimulus is removed, brain freeze typically subsides spontaneously, requiring no specific treatment. During the current heat wave, there is no cause for concern regarding consuming ice cream or other cold treats. Simply avoid the temptation to wolf down your frozen treat hastily. Slowing down the consumption of cold foods can help you relish them without the unfortunate aftermath of a brain freeze.