Brain Freeze or ice cream headache is a term used to refer to the pain sometimes inflicted by devouring something cold like ice cream or a cold beverage, often very quickly.
The reaction is triggered by the cold coming into contact with the roof of the mouth. It triggers nerves that give the brain the impression of a very cold environment. To heat up the brain again, blood vessels start to swell, which causes the headache-like pain for approximately 30 seconds.
The temperature change in the roof of the mouth has to be rather drastic; this is why brain freeze often occurs on warm days.
The pain can be relieved by putting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which logically will heat it up.
Icecreamheadache is a fairly common condition and has been commented on in the medical literature since the 1850s.
Holding ice or a large amount of icecream in the mouth, or swallowing a mouthful of cold food or drink, may cause discomfort or pain in the palate and throat.
A headache develops as a frozen treat is eaten; the pain is often reported as rapid in onset, severe, located in the middle of the forehead or in both temples, and tends to last no longer than five minutes.
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