Cold-stimulus headache
A cold-stimulus headache, commonly known as "brain freeze," is a brief headache triggered by the consumption of cold foods or beverages, such as ice cream or frozen drinks, or sudden exposure to cold temperatures. Typically, the pain occurs in the forehead area and can manifest as sharp, stabbing sensations lasting from twenty seconds to a few minutes. Although the exact mechanism behind cold-stimulus headaches remains unclear, several theories suggest that the trigeminal nerve plays a key role in transmitting pain signals initiated by rapid changes in temperature.
This type of headache is particularly prevalent among individuals who are prone to migraines, who may experience a more intense throbbing or pulsating pain. Factors contributing to the pain could include the rapid constriction and subsequent dilation of blood vessels in the head and sinuses due to cold exposure. While no specific treatment is necessary due to the transient nature of these headaches, preventive measures include consuming cold items slowly, avoiding contact with the roof of the mouth, and applying warmth to the area when pain occurs. Understanding cold-stimulus headaches can help individuals better manage and prevent these sudden, albeit short-lived, discomforts.
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Cold-stimulus headache
A cold-stimulus headache is a short-lived headache that is usually caused by the consumption of cold foods and beverages, such as ice cream or frozen drinks. It can also occur following sudden exposure to cold temperatures, such as when a person jumps into cold water. This type of headache is often referred to as “brain freeze.” Cold-stimulus headaches cause sharp, stabbing pains in the forehead and usually last anywhere from twenty to sixty seconds but can last up to five minutes. Scientists are not positive what exactly causes these types of headaches, but several theories exist that attempt to explain the phenomenon.
Overview
Cold-stimulus headaches are initiated when a person is suddenly exposed to cold temperatures. Contact with this cold temperature often happens inside the mouth, when cold foods touch the roof of the mouth. People may also experience cold-stimulus headaches in other ways, such as sudden skin exposure to cold temperatures. An example would be going outside in cold temperatures without a hat on. Cold-stimulus headaches are most commonly caused by oral contact with cold substances. When the cold substance touches the roof of a person’s mouth, a reaction occurs that signals the nerve endings in the head to respond.
Cold-stimulus headaches begin within seconds of cold exposure and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. The pain is usually concentrated in the forehead but can migrate to the temples and the back of the head. The pain is often described as stabbing or aching. Doctors believe individuals prone to migraine headaches are at higher risk of experiencing cold-stimulus headaches. Migraine-prone individuals often describe brain freeze as a throbbing or pulsating pain.
Although doctors are not exactly sure why such cold exposure causes headaches, several theories have been developed over the years. Most doctors believe cold-stimulus headaches are caused by a constricting and swelling of blood vessels in the sinuses. The rapid cooling and then reheating of the blood vessels at the site of cold stimulation causes a type of pain called referred pain, or reflective pain, which sends the sensation of pain received at the stimulus site up into the head.
A 2012 study examining the effects of sipping ice-cold water found that those people who experienced a cold-stimulus headache from the activity had an enlarged anterior cerebral artery, which is a blood vessel located behind the eyes. When the cold-stimulus headache went away, the artery constricted and decreased blood flow. The researchers postulated that increased pressure and blood flow in the skull is what causes the headache.
Scientists also consider the trigeminal nerve a possible culprit for cold-stimulus headaches. This nerve is located in the head and face. The trigeminal nerve is activated when a person experiences a cold sensation. When it is triggered, the blood vessels it innervates briefly tighten and constrict before rapidly widening again, which could account for the sudden pain associated with cold-stimulus headaches.
Since cold-stimulus headaches come and go so quickly, no real treatment is necessary. Doctors suggest several things a person can do to prevent these headaches. Eating a cold food or drink slowly can help people avoid these headaches. Doctors also suggest keeping cold substances away from the roof of the mouth. Some people also say cold-stimulus headaches can be mediated by ingesting warm water at the onset of pain. Pressing one’s tongue against the roof of the mouth may also help bring warmth back to the area and ease the symptoms.
Bibliography
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