Ice Cream Headache

Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, commonly known as brain freeze or ice cream headache, is a transient and sudden headache caused by the rapid consumption of cold foods or beverages.

Ice cream headache is set off when an unusually cold substance passes over the palate and back of the throat. This phenomenon is temporary and typically subsides once the cold stimulus is removed and the blood vessels return to normal.

Causes

While brain freeze seems like a universal experience, not everyone experiences this type of headache. A study of 618 people found that 51% of participants experienced brain freeze.

Frigid temperatures in the mouth or environment cause brain freeze. Examples of how brain freeze may occur include consuming frozen treats, like ice cream and popsicles, drinking cold beverages, like ice water or a slushy, being in freezing air temperature, and immersing your head in very cold water.

Physiology

When a cold substance, like ice cream or a cold drink, comes into contact with the roof of the mouth (palate), it causes rapid cooling of the tissue in this area. The cold stimulus leads to the initial narrowing of blood vessels in the palate. This is followed by a rapid widening of these blood vessels as they attempt to warm up the area again. The changes in blood vessel size stimulate the sphenopalatine ganglion, a cluster of nerve cells linked to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensations.

The trigeminal nerve transmits pain signals to the brain, which interprets this sensation as pain originating from the forehead or behind the eyes, rather than the mouth. This is a form of referred pain.

The perceived pain is a result of the brain's attempt to process the sudden and intense signal from the trigeminal nerve, leading to the characteristic sharp, stabbing sensation of a brain freeze. This entire process is typically short-lived, resolving as the palate warms up and the blood vessels return to their normal state.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ice cream headache include pain in the forehead or temples, intense pain, and occurs immediately after something cold hits the roof of the mouth. The pain resolves within 10 minutes. The pain is usually sharp, stabbing, or throbbing pain.

There are several types of headaches other than brain freeze, and each with distinct causes and characteristics. Unlike other headaches, a brain freeze comes and goes quickly. It usually lasts only a few seconds to two minutes. It goes away on its own, without medicine or rest.

Toothache and Brain Freeze

Both toothache and brain freeze can cause head pain. Pain due to toothache can range from sharp to throbbing and may be persistent or intermittent. It can be localized to one tooth or spread to the surrounding areas. Additional symptoms may include swelling, redness, or sensitivity to touch. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and might include dental checkups, fillings, root canals, or antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief.

Risk Groups

Anyone can get a brain freeze. Certain groups of people may be more prone to experiencing the brain. These include:

Children and adolescents often consume cold foods and drinks quickly. Younger individuals may have a higher sensitivity to cold stimuli.

People with migraines may be more susceptible to brain freeze. There is some evidence suggesting a shared pathway in pain processing.

Cold food and drink enthusiasts frequently consume cold foods and beverages, such as ice cream, slushies, and cold drinks, are at higher risk.

Individuals with high sensitivity to cold naturally have a higher sensitivity to temperature changes in their mouth, making them more prone to brain freeze.

Fast eaters/drinkers who eat or drink old items rapidly are more likely to experience brain freeze due to the sudden temperature change in the palate.

Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who consume cold drinks quickly after intense physical activity, especially in hot weather, may experience brain freeze.

People in cold climates may consume more cold beverages and foods, especially during the winter months when they may not realize the impact of cold on their palate.

Dehydrated individuals can make blood vessels more sensitive to temperature changes, potentially increasing the risk of brain freeze.

While brain freeze is generally harmless and temporary, understanding these risk groups can help in taking preventive measures.

Brain Freezes and Migraines

Brain freeze is harmless by itself, and the phenomenon isn't associated with any worrisome neurological conditions. However, it is linked to migraines. Brain freezes tend to happen more often in people with a history of migraines. If a person has migraines and ends up with an ice cream headache, the headaches tend to be on the side that migraines affect.

Tension Headache

The causes of tension headache include stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Symptoms include dull, aching pain around the head, often described as a tight band. It usually affects both sides of the head. Treatment includes over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.

Cluster Headache

The exact cause of cluster headache is unknown, but it often occurs in cyclical patterns or clusters. Symptoms include intense, burning pain usually around one eye or one side of the head, often accompanied by redness and tearing of the eye. These headaches occur in clusters over a period of weeks or months.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headache is caused by inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities (sinusitis). It Often results from allergies, colds, or respiratory infections.

Symptoms of sinus headache are deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheeks, or bridge of the nose. Pain often intensifies with sudden head movements or straining. Associated symptoms may include nasal congestion, facial pressure, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever.

Rebound Headache

Rebound headaches, also known as medication-overuse headaches, occur when pain relief medications are used too frequently. Frequent use of over the counter or prescription painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or prescription opioids, can lead to rebound headaches.

The medication alleviates the headache temporarily but can cause headaches to return, leading individuals to take more medication, perpetuating the cycle. Symptoms are frequent headaches that occur when medication wears off. Headaches typically occur more than 15 days a month.

The pain may be similar to the original headache type (e.g., tension-type or migraine) but may become more frequent and less responsive to medication. Headaches often start soon after waking up and may be present throughout the day.

Prevention Tips

Consume cold foods and beverages slowly to minimize the shock to your palate. Let cold foods and drinks warm slightly in your mouth before swallowing. This can reduce the temperature difference that triggers brain freeze.

Try to avoid letting cold items come into direct contact with the roof of your mouth. Take smaller bites of ice cream or smaller sips of cold drinks to lessen the impact.

Warm your mouth. If you feel a brain freeze coming on, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to warm it up and alleviate the pain.

Stay hydrated. Being well-hydrated can help your blood vessels respond better to temperature changes.

Avoid excessive cold. In cold environments, be mindful of your consumption of cold foods and beverages.