Ice Cream Headache (Brain Freeze!): A New Study

Although the famous ice cream headache (also known as brain freeze, or more officially headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus) was first studied seriously almost 45 years ago, it’s still somewhat of a mystery.  But a new study in the USA may be giving us clues not only about ice cream headache, but about other types of headaches as well.

British neurologist Dr. R. O. Smith, began studying brain freeze in 1968.  Since then, there are several interesting facts that have come to light.  For example:

• Brain freeze seems to be more of a problem in warmer climates
• It doesn’t seem that any permanent damage is done
• Nerves in the roof of your mouth seem to trigger changes in blood vessels, triggering the pain
• Migraine patients seem to be more susceptible
• An ice cream headache can trigger a migraine attack in migraine patients

Photo courtesy of Tom Newby Photography

The new study, entitled Cerebral Vascular Blood Flow Changes During ‘Brain Freeze’, confirms the blood vessel theory.

So what seems to be happening?  First, typically, something cold comes into contact with the roof of your mouth.  Quickly, blood vessels dilate (get bigger around), allowing for more blood flow.  In particular, the anterior cerebral artery seemed to react.  This may be a response to ensure that the brain stays warm.

Researchers believe that pain may occur at this point because of the sudden rise in pressure from the increased blood flow.

Soon after, the blood vessel constricts, presumably to keep the blood flow from getting to high.  At this point, the patient’s pain recedes.

This type of headache is an interesting one to study – because it’s easier than most to study in the lab.  You can’t usually sit around waiting for a migraine attack to start, but a brain freeze is easy to trigger.  Because researchers believe that these types of headaches may have a lot in common with migraine headaches and post-traumatic headaches, for example, studies like this may provide clues to help us treat those as well.

For more, read this summary from the American Physiological Association: Changes in Brain’s Blood Flow Could Cause ‘Brain Freeze’.  For more general information about the causes and treatments of brain freeze, see Stop the pain of ice cream headache!