Brain Freeze: What Causes Brain Freeze, Its Link to Migraine, and How to Prevent It

Brain freeze, officially called a cold-stimulus headache, is a surprisingly common, brief headache triggered by very cold foods or drinks touching the roof of the mouth. The Conversation summarizes current research on what causes it, how it relates to migraine, and simple ways to prevent or reduce its intensity, including eating more slowly. The article draws on multiple studies and discusses the role of the trigeminal nerve and brain blood flow in this referred pain phenomenon.

• Brain freeze is classified as cold-stimulus headache by the International Headache Society.
• Research shows brain freeze is common, with over half of participants in one study reporting it.
• The trigeminal nerve and changes in brain blood flow are key players in the mechanism.
• Preventing brain freeze by slowing down eating or drinking is often effective; most attacks last under 30 seconds.

Author: The Conversation

Overview

The article explains brain freeze, or cold-stimulus headache, a sensation officially recognized by the International Headache Society as a headache triggered by consuming something very cold. While termed brain freeze because the sensation is often felt in the forehead, the cold stimulus is in the mouth, and scientists are still untangling the exact pathways involved. The piece emphasizes that brain freeze is common, with one study of 618 people finding that just over half had experienced it at least once.

What causes brain freeze

Very cold foods or drinks contact the roof of the mouth or back of the throat and can trigger the pain. A central role appears to be played by the trigeminal nerve, a major facial nerve that transmits pain and temperature signals to the brain. When the mouth is suddenly chilled, pathways involving this nerve are activated. This can explain why pain is often felt in the forehead or temples rather than in the mouth. In addition to nerve signaling, researchers have observed changes in cerebral blood flow during brain freeze, suggesting a complex interaction rather than a simple vasoconstriction/vasodilation model.

Brain freeze and migraine

The relationship between brain freeze and migraine is nuanced. Some studies hint at a connection; for example, a study of 669 women found those who had migraines in the previous year were about twice as likely to develop headache after drinking ice-cold water. Other research has not found a consistent link: a 1992 experiment reported fewer ice-cream headaches in people with migraine compared with controls, while a 2020 study found migraine sufferers were not more likely to experience brain freeze, though those who did reported more intense pain. Overall, the two headaches may share some pain pathways, but the connection remains not fully understood.

Children and brain freeze

Brain freeze is particularly common among children and teenagers. A large adolescent survey of 8,359 participants found that 41% had experienced an ice-cream headache. A Canadian study with 145 schoolchildren showed that rapid consumption of ice cream increased brain-freeze risk: about 27% of fast eaters developed brain freeze vs 13% of slower eaters, suggesting speed of eating as a major factor in this age group.

Can you stop brain freeze?

Prevention appears easier than cure. In the Canadian study, eating ice cream quickly more than doubled the likelihood of brain freeze. Another study reported that 73% of people who experienced brain freeze found that slowing down reduced how often or how intensely it happened. Most brain-freeze headaches were brief, with 93% lasting less than 30 seconds in one study. A less common form lasted about four minutes, and diagnostic criteria permit up to ten minutes for disappearance after the cold stimulus ends. Techniques like pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth have not shown reliable speed in relieving symptoms, so natural resolution remains the norm.

Practical takeaways

During heatwaves, there is little need to fear an ice-cream van. The recommended approach is to enjoy frozen treats by eating them slowly, which reduces the chance of brain freeze and makes the experience more pleasant. The content is a summary of research and is presented in The Conversation’s style, drawing on multiple studies to explain a common, everyday phenomenon.

Original publisher: The Conversation