Brain freeze is not synonymous with summer, but they sure do increase when people use edible cooling tactics, like ice cream, iced coffee, frappes and shakes. There’s no evidence to support this random thought whatsoever, but brain freeze likely quadruples on 7-11, Free Slurpee Day. Just a guess.
Here are 5 interesting things you probably didn’t know about your lifelong BF:
1. The Scientific Term Is Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia
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Which essentially means “pain of the sphenopalpatine nerve,” not the brain.
2. Brain Freeze Is Really A Type Of Rapid-Onset Headache
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3. The Brain Can’t Actually Feel Pain
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Despite its billions of neurons, neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin says what you’re experiencing during a “brain freeze” episode is actually caused by the dilation and contraction of arteries covering the outside of the brain, which interprets it as pain.
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So, basically, your blood vessels are reacting to the cold, not your actual brain.
4. Brain Freezes Are More Common In People Who Experience Migraines
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The same nerves responsible for a brain freeze are related more serious headache disorders.
5. Cats And Dogs Might Experience A Similar Type Of Brain Freeze
A cat’s reaction to cold items might also be related to their sensitive teeth. Periodontal disease is quite common in cats.
5. You Can Fix It Fast
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When brain freeze hits, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth or drink something warm. Both will normalize the temperature in your mouth and the pain dissipate.
