This Is What Causes Brain Freeze

Picture this: It’s a hot summer day. You scoop a generous bowlful of ice cream, then swallow that first spoonful and, out of nowhere—bam! Searing pain behind the bridge of your nose.

What causes brain freeze, this miserable spoiler of frozen desserts? The answer is simple: survival instinct.

Why do we get brain freeze?

When humans eat something very cold, blood vessels in the roof of the mouth (also known as the palate) react by tightly constricting. The instinct helps preserve the body’s core temperature. Then, quite quickly, the blood vessels expand again to warm up the mouth. The result of these rapid-fire reactions is pain, sometimes so sudden or intense that it seems to zap up into your brain. Brr!

But wait—why doesn’t the pain happen inside your mouth? It’s an example of “referred pain,” in which pain in one area of the body is felt by a different area. The pain signal travels through a nerve that extends up into the brain, just behind the middle of your face and forehead.

How do you get rid of brain freeze?

To soothe the freeze fast, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Drinking lukewarm liquid can also help stabilize the temperature in your mouth. Don’t bother reaching for pain medication, because brain freeze usually lasts less than five minutes.

How do you eat ice cream without getting brain freeze?

The easiest way to avoid brain freeze is to eat slowly. Take smaller bites (even if it’s your favorite flavor of ice cream), and allow the treat to warm up a bit in the front of your mouth before swallowing.

If you’re frequently bothered by brain freeze (research suggests those with chronic migraines may be disproportionately affected), then consider mildly chilled summer desserts. Try something like panna cotta, which is very creamy and so mild it won’t zing your brain—only your taste buds.