Why Do You Get 'Brain Freeze' When Eating Ice Cream?

That sudden sharp pain in your head after eating ice cream is called brain freeze. It happens when something very cold touches the roof of your mouth. The blood vessels there get surprised and squeeze tight like a rubber band snapping back. This makes them send a quick signal to your brain saying "it's too cold!" Your brain gets confused because it thinks the pain is coming from inside your head, not your mouth. To stop the pain quickly, you can press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. This warms up the area and helps the blood vessels relax. It feels like a little shock or zap that goes away in just a few seconds.