Did you know the official name for a brain freeze is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia? That’s quite a mouthful. Brain freezes occur when the two important arteries leading up to the brain experience a rapid drop in temperature. In order to protect the cranium, these arteries will contract and expand, which in turn sends pain signals up to the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for what is felt as the brain freeze, also known as the ice cream headache.

SciShow provides an entertaining video on what causes the painful sensation.

Brain freezes are never fun, no one starts out eating a popsicle, hoping to get one. In fact, a majority of the time despite our best efforts they seem to just come on their own. In order to help you better enjoy those icy treats, here are our three tips on how to prevent a brain freeze.

How to Prevent Brain Freezes?

#1 Prevent cold food from touching the roof of your mouth
#2 Consume cold foods and drinks slowly
#3 Take a break from the cold food for a minute

Unfortunately, preventing brain freezes is not always possible. Sometimes you’re just enjoying that delicious new milkshake and before you know it, you’ve slurped a little too fast. and now here you are with the searing headache to deal with.

Here are five tips on how you can relieve your brain freeze.

How to Relieve Brain Freezes?

#1 Stop drinking or eating whatever is causing the pain
#2 Warm the roof of your mouth with your tongue
#3 Drink a warm substance
#4 Make a mask with your hands to cover your mouth and nose
#5 Press a warm thumb against your palate (the roof of your mouth)

Brain freezes only last for 30-60 seconds, so if all else fails just wait it out. However, if your headaches seem to last a lot longer than that or come even when you aren’t eating cold foods, talk to your doctor. They can make sure that you get the relief you need.

Need a doctor? Call Mountain Peaks at 801-724-9840.  You can make an appointment with one of our award-winning doctors over-the-phone, or walk-in.