Brain freeze phenomenon linked to blood flow - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Brain freeze phenomenon linked to blood flow

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Take a big bite out of an ice cream cone and you could end up with brain freeze. Now researchers say they know why.

Harvard researchers found when brain freeze hits, blood flow to the brain increases rapidly. This change in the blood flow is the source of brain freeze, or mini migraine.

Experts at Harvard Medical School had thirteen adults drink ice water from a straw that pressed on their upper palate. They also drank room-temperature water.

The participants raised their hand when brain freeze began and lowered it once it had passed. Their brains were monitored with diagnostic imaging.

Researchers found blood flow to the brain increased rapidly once the brain freeze started. They say this change in blood flow is the source of the pain.

The study from Harvard Medical School has not been published yet. 

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