Cold-stimulus headache

"Brain freeze" redirects here. For other uses, see Brain freeze (disambiguation).
Cold-stimulus headache
Other namesIce-cream headache, brain freeze[1][2]
A young girl hastily consuming ice cream, a common cause of cold-stimulus headaches, which are aptly called "brain freezes" or "ice-cream headaches"
SpecialtyNeurology
Duration20 seconds to 2 minutes depending on severity
CausesQuick consumption of cold foods and beverages or prolonged oral exposure to cold stimuli
TreatmentRemoval of the cold stimulus from the oral cavity and thrusting the tongue towards the tip of the nose or roof of the mouth to relieve pain. Drinking warm water can also ease pain.

A cold-stimulus headache, colloquially known as an ice-cream headache or brain freeze, is a form of brief pain or headache commonly associated with consumption (particularly quick consumption) of cold beverages or foods such as ice cream, popsicles, and snow cones. It is caused by a cold substance touching the roof of the mouth, and is believed to result from a nerve response causing rapid constriction and swelling of blood vessels,[3] "referring" pain from the roof of the mouth to the head.[4][5] The rate of intake for cold foods has been studied as a contributing factor.[1][6] It can also occur during a sudden exposure of unprotected head to cold temperatures, such as by diving into cold water.[7] A cold-stimulus headache is distinct from dentin hypersensitivity, a type of dental pain that can occur under similar circumstances.

Cats and other animals have been observed exhibiting a similar reaction when presented with a similar stimulus.[8]

  1. ^ a b Kaczorowski, Maya; Kaczorowski, Janusz (December 21, 2002). "Ice cream evoked headaches (ICE-H) study: randomised trial of accelerated versus cautious ice cream eating regimen". British Medical Journal. 325 (7378): 1445–1446. doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7378.1445. PMC 139031. PMID 12493658.
  2. ^ Jankelowitz, SK.; Zagami, AS. (Dec 2001). "Cold-stimulus headache". Cephalalgia. 21 (10): 1002. doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.2001.00301.x. PMID 11843876. S2CID 28861589.
  3. ^ "What causes an ice cream headache?". 1 April 2000.
  4. ^ "Ice cream headaches Causes - Mayo Clinic".
  5. ^ "Definition of Ice cream headache". Archived from the original on 2014-09-24. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
  6. ^ "The Dairy Education eBook Series - Food Science". University of Guelph.
  7. ^ "Ice cream headaches - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  8. ^ "Do Cats Actually Get 'Brain Freeze' When They Eat Cold Treats? - petMD". www.petmd.com.