What Causes a ‘Brain Freeze’?

A brain freeze happens when something very cold touches the roof of your mouth. This sends a quick message to your brain, and it thinks something is wrong, so it makes your head feel like it's freezing or burning! It’s like giving your brain a surprise ice cream party that goes sideways.

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Examples

Eating an ice cream cone on a hot summer day might cause your head to feel like it's exploding.
Drinking a glass of very cold lemonade can make you think you're being attacked by tiny snowflakes in your brain.
Blowing on a popsicle too fast might give your brain a mini-freeze party.

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Categories: Health · brain freeze,sensory reactions,temperature changes