Dr. Robert Smith of the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center notes that ice cream headaches, also known as "brain freeze," occur when a cold substance overstimulates a cluster of nerves located in the throat and palate or the roof of the mouth. Some people are able to eat ice cream with no problem, while others experience an intense but short-lived headache focused in the center of the forehead or the temples. For migraine sufferers, an ice cream headache may set off a full-fledged migraine headache.
Step 1
Eat slowly to prevent ice cream from suddenly chilling the roof of your mouth. Take small bites, then hold the ice cream in your mouth for a moment before swallowing.
Step 2
Eat the ice cream using the side of your mouth as much as possible. Keeping the ice cream away from the roof of your mouth helps prevent ice cream headache.
Step 3
Eat ice cream slowly, then pause for a moment between each bite. A short pause allows your palate to warm slightly.
Step 4
Take a break for at least a minute or two if you feel a headache beginning. A break is especially important if you suffer with migraine headaches.
Tips and Warnings
- If you get an ice cream headache, push your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Your tongue warms the cold area and may minimize the length and severity of the headache. Drinking a warm beverage may have the same affect. Ice cream headache may be caused by any very cold food, including slushies, ice pops, snow cones or ice-cold drinks.
References
- University of Cincinnati, UC Health Line; Don't Let Ice Cream Make You Scream; May 2006
- University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging; What Causes an Ice Cream Headache?; November 2005
- KidsHealth: Why Does Eating Ice Cream Give Me a Headache?
- Philadelphia Magazine's Be Well Philly; Ask Dr. Monti: How Do You Avoid Ice Cream Headaches: Daniel Monti; July 2011
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