Most people have gotten a brain freeze from eating ice cream or something cold too fast. However, do you know why we get them? First, let me explain what a brain freeze really is. A brain freeze tends to happen when you drink or eat something cold, which sends a pain in our “brain.” Actually, our brain doesn’t feel the pain. What happens is the brain is given a sensation of pain from the change in temperature by receptors and arteries.

Why we get them is a whole different matter. Sciensts and researches aren’t exactly sure why we get them. Experts believe that we get them because of our blood vessels dilating and constricting when something cold touches our throat or mouth. The brain feels the sensation of pain due to the pain receptors. Our brain thinks that the pain is coming from the forehead instead of the mouth (called referred pain) because of our nerves’ signals.

Some people don’t get brain freezes, which stumps experts. There could be a number of possibilities including our nerves’ reactions, being wired differently, or anatomical placement. Some animals, like dogs and cats, also get brain freezes. Their reaction is similar to a human’s.

I hope you had fun learning about our brain freezes and what causes them. Remember to not eat or drink something cold too fast to reduce getting brain freezes!