News
Brain Freeze
David Cohen, M.D.Published 28 May 20041 min read
Key points
- Sometimes when you eat something cold, especially ice cream, it touches the top of your mouth and initiates a nerve reaction that swells blood vessels in your head.
- To avoid "brain freeze," the University of Dalhousie in Canada suggests you try eating frozen goodies slowly, giving the roof of your mouth time to warm up between bites.
- This causes a headache that usually resolves within a minute.
Have you ever wondered what triggers an ice cream headache?
Sometimes when you eat something cold, especially ice cream, it touches the top of your mouth and initiates a nerve reaction that swells blood vessels in your head. This causes a headache that usually resolves within a minute.
To avoid "brain freeze," the University of Dalhousie in Canada suggests you try eating frozen goodies slowly, giving the roof of your mouth time to warm up between bites.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.