An ice cream headache, also commonly known as a 'brain freeze,' is a temporary headache that occurs when cold foods or drinks are ingested rapidly. This phenomenon occurs when the cold suddenly comes into contact with the roof of the mouth. When the cold stimulus is transmitted to the brain through the nerves in the palate, the brain's blood vessels temporarily undergo rapid dilation, leading to a headache.

Ice cream headaches usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes and disappear on their own. The simplest way to prevent this type of headache is by consuming cold foods and drinks slowly. Additionally, if a headache starts, warming the roof of your mouth with your tongue or drinking a small amount of warm liquid can help alleviate the pain.