Why Do You Get 'Brain Freeze' When Eating Ice Cream?
The Squeeze
When you eat ice cream too fast, the cold touches the roof of your mouth. This sends a signal to your brain that says it is freezing up there! Your body tries to warm things back up by pumping more blood to the area.
Why It Hurts
The blood vessels act like tiny hoses. They get very tight at first and then suddenly expand. This rapid change squeezes nearby nerves, which send a sharp pain signal right to your forehead. It feels like a cramp inside your head.
How to Fix It
Pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth helps warm that spot up quickly. You can also eat slower to keep the cold from hitting so hard.