That sensation of your brain feeling cold, often called "brain freeze," is actually a type of headache, not a drop in brain temperature. The technical term for it is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, and it's also known as a cold-induced headache.
What Causes the "Brain Freeze" Feeling?
The feeling of coldness in your brain isn't a sign of your brain getting too cold but rather a response of the nerves. It's triggered by the rapid cooling of the palate or the back of your throat. The key player here is the sphenopalatine ganglion, a group of nerves situated near the trigeminal nerve in your brain.
Here's a breakdown:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rapid Cooling | Eating or drinking something very cold causes a sudden change in temperature. |
| Nerve Response | The sphenopalatine ganglion nerves react to this change. |
| Trigeminal Nerve | The nearby trigeminal nerve, which is involved in sensation in the head, gets activated. |
| Pain Sensation | The activation results in a sudden, sharp, and often cold feeling of pain, which feels like it's inside your head. |
How Does It Feel?
- The pain is typically sharp and intense.
- It is usually felt in the forehead or temples.
- The feeling starts quickly and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
- It often feels like an intense cold sensation, hence the "brain freeze" name.
How Can I Prevent Brain Freeze?
While you can't stop it once it has started, here are some things that you can do to minimize the chances of getting brain freeze:
- Slow Down: Don't consume cold things too quickly.
- Warm the Roof of your Mouth: Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth or taking a sip of a warm drink could help.
- Smaller Servings: Consume smaller amounts of cold foods or drinks at a time.
- Pace Yourself: Taking breaks in between cold treats may prevent the sudden temperature shock that leads to the pain.
In summary, the sensation of a cold brain is caused by nerve reactions to rapid changes in temperature, particularly in the palate and throat, leading to a headache associated with a cold sensation in your head.
