brain freeze

I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to fun facts about frozen desserts, but I've always wondered: What exactly causes brain freeze? I searched the web, eager to find out if there's a scientific explanation behind the phenomenon of ice cream headache. Turns out the curious sensation even has a technical name, Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.

When a very cold food hits the palate, nerve response kicks into full gear, triggering blood vessels in the head to contract and dilate, and causing momentary head pain.

Should you have any forethought the next time you tackle a frozen dessert, allay the onset of brain freeze by letting icy treats melt in the front of your mouth first. If it's too late and you already have a pounding head, nip the occurrence by pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth to warm everything back up.

If, while celebrating National Ice Cream Month with one of my guilt-free frozen treats, you've ended up with a brain freeze, take heed: I have tips to help prevent that awful sensation.

It is believed that the short but intense headache is caused by referred pain from the nerves on the roof of your mouth. You want to keep the nerves from getting too cold by doing one or both of the following. First, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, or better yet, curl your tongue and place the bottom of it, since it will be warmer, on the roof of your mouth. My second tip sounds like a bit of dieting advice, but it works well. Learn it when you read more