Brain freeze

Brain Freeze or ice cream headache is a term used to refer to the pain sometimes inflicted by devouring something cold like ice cream or a cold beverage, often very quickly.

In rare instances, the blood vessels can constrict so completely that a temporary black out can occur.

The reaction is triggered by the cold coming into contact with the roof of the mouth. It triggers nerves that give the brain the impression of a very cold environment. To heat up the brain again, blood vessels start to swell, which causes the headache-like pain for approximately 30 seconds.

The pain can be relieved by putting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which logically will heat it up.