That sharp pain from cold ice cream is not your brain freezing. Here is what really happens.
What causes it?
Cold food suddenly chills the roof of your mouth. Your body rushes to warm your head back up. Blood vessels in your head quickly get wider. Doctors think this wakes up a big nerve in your face, and it hurts.
How do you stop it?
Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth or sip something warm, and the pain fades away. It is harmless and it passes quickly.
Does your brain hurt?
And here is the twist. Your brain itself cannot feel pain. The ache comes from the nerves and blood vessels around it.
