Cold stimulus headache, commonly known as “brain freeze”, is a curious and understudied phenomenon that many of us have experienced when eating or drinking something cold too quickly.
Though brief and benign, these headaches provide insight into how the brain responds to sudden temperature changes.
Key Facts About “Brain Freeze”:
- Caused by quick exposure of the palate and throat to very cold foods or drinks
- Typically lasts less than 30 seconds, with pain in the frontal and temporal regions
- More common in youth, migraine sufferers, and with very cold temperatures
- Speed of ingestion and size of exposed area influence likelihood of headache
- Possible mechanisms include vasodilation, nerve stimulation, and brain freeze
- Avoiding rapid ingestion of very cold foods reduces risk
- No specific treatments beyond avoiding triggers
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Who Experiences Brain Freeze?
While we’ve all likely felt “brain freeze” at some point when eating ice cream too quickly, certain factors make people more prone to experiencing cold stimulus headaches.
Age
Studies have found that youth are more susceptible than adults.
In one study, 62% of teens aged 10-14 reported cold stimulus headaches, compared to only 31% of their parents and teachers.
Researchers hypothesize the higher prevalence in youth may be due to smaller anatomical structures leading to faster cooling, as well as increased temperature sensitivity in the young.
Sex
Research on gender differences has been inconclusive.
Some studies have found higher rates in men or boys, while others found no significant differences between genders.
More research is needed.
Migraine
People who suffer from migraine headaches seem to be more susceptible to “brain freeze” than non-migraineurs.
In one study, 74% of those with episodic migraines experienced cold stimulus headache, compared to just 32% of those with episodic tension headaches.
The hyperexcitability of the trigeminal nerve in migraine patients likely contributes to increased sensitivity.
What Causes Brain Freeze Headaches?
While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, two main theories explain what may cause the short stabs of head pain from cold foods or drinks:
Vasodilation
Sudden vasoconstriction of blood vessels on the palate, followed rapidly by vasodilation and activation of nociceptors (pain receptors) in vessel walls, may spark the headache.
Similar to the rush of pain when placing an icy hand in hot water.
Changes in cerebral blood flow also occur with cold stimulus headache.
Nerve Stimulation
Cold receptors in the palate and throat may become overstimulated by rapid exposure to freezing temperatures.
The trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves which innervate these areas are likely involved.
Lacrimation (watery eyes) during a cold stimulus headache also points to activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex.
Both vascular changes and direct stimulation of cold receptors likely play a role.
The relative contribution of each mechanism may vary based on the size of exposed area and speed of ingestion.
Key Factors That Trigger Cold Stimulus Headache
While individual sensitivity varies, three key factors influence whether a cold food or drink will trigger the dreaded brain freeze:
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Area Exposed
Drinking icy water or smoothies exposes a larger surface area in the mouth and throat to cold compared to an ice cube pressed against the hard palate.
More nerves are activated, increasing chances of provoking a headache.
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Speed of Ingestion
Gulping down a frosty shake risks headache more than cautiously sipping it.
Rapid ingestion provides less time for warming, shocking the palate and throat nerves.
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Extreme Temperatures
Very cold foods below freezing are bigger triggers than simply cool foods.
However, further reducing temperatures below 0°C doesn’t necessarily increase headache likelihood.
The key is sudden change from normal mouth temperature.
Characteristics of Cold Stimulus Headache
Location Typically focused in the frontal and temporal areas, matching the regions innervated by the trigeminal nerve.
Quality: Often a quick “stabbing” or “ice pick” pain, though some report it as throbbing or achy. Migraine sufferers often report pain matching usual migraine patterns.
Onset & Duration: Starts within seconds of cold exposure and lasts less than 30 seconds in most cases. Rarely persists longer than a few minutes.
Severity: Ranges from mild to severe pain. Factors like speed of ingestion influence intensity. Icy water provokes more frequent and severe headaches than ice cubes in studies.
Prevention and Treatment
Since no medications specifically treat cold stimulus headache, prevention is key for those prone to regular “brain freeze.” Simple strategies include:
- Drinking very cold beverages slowly with cautious sips
- Allowing ice cream to melt slightly before eating
- Pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth during consumption
- Placing cold foods toward the back of mouth rather than directly on the palate
Massaging facial areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve before cryotherapy treatments may also reduce risk.
But regular exposure to reduce sensitivity is not recommended, as it may damage the palate.
For children especially prone to debilitating cold stimulus headaches, consider switching to less icy temperatures or avoiding culprit foods altogether until the sensitivities diminish with age.
The Curious Phenomenon of “Brain Freeze”
While ice cream or slushie headaches are brief and harmless for most, they provide fascinating insight into the brain’s response to sudden temperature drops.
The complex interplay of nerves, receptors, and blood vessels reveals just how sensitive the human body is to shifts in our physical environment.
By understanding the mechanisms behind these peculiar headaches, we glimpse the remarkable systems working to maintain harmony and balance within our bodies.
References
- Study: Cold stimulus headache
- Authors: Amokrane Chebini & Esma Dilli (2019)
