Brain freeze is something that many people can relate to. I am fortunate to say that I have never experienced the pain of brain freeze, despite my frequent consumption of the ice cold Slurpee drink.
Brain freeze is an intense stabbing headache-like pain that occurs after consuming something cold, and it affects about 30 percent of the population.
Although the actual cause of brain freeze has not yet been found, some theories have come about:
One theory places the source for the headache in the sinuses. The pain of brain freeze may be caused by the rapid cooling of air in the frontal sinuses, triggering pain receptors.
Another theory postulates that the constriction of blood vessels in the roof and rear of the mouth causes pain receptors to overload and refer the pain to your head.
And here's another idea:
A theory devised by doctors studying the effects of brain freeze
syndrome at UC Davis have determined that brain freeze is actually a minute seizure
occurring from overloaded taste, pain, and heat and cold nerve
receptors found in the frontal lobe of the brain, also known as slupatitius
seizure syndrome or SSS. Although the effects of such a leave an inconclusive
amount of damage to the brain, no studies have proven that brain freeze would
hinder any other thought processes
Submitted Ryan Doane Ph.D
Tips for alleviating brainfreeze
To relieve the pain of brainfreeze, try pressing your tongue onto the roof of your mouth. For some reason, this works
Try Holding your breath during a brainfreeze, For some reason, this makes it go away faster. (submitted)
