You bite into a delicious ice cream cone and suddenly—a sharp, stabbing headache hits. This common reaction, often called brain freeze, is triggered by cold foods and drinks. Here's what causes it and how to stop it quickly.
How ice cream headaches develop
Cold sensations in the back of your mouth activate nerves, causing nearby blood vessels to rapidly constrict. As they dilate again, excess blood rushes to your head, resulting in that intense pain. This process, known scientifically as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, is a normal physiological response.
Relieving an ice cream headache
The key is to warm the roof of your mouth and stabilize blood flow. Try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth or sipping warm water. These simple techniques work for many, though not everyone experiences the same relief.
