Technically known as cold neuralgia or sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia (say that five times fast), the sensation widely known as “ice cream headache” likely occurs because eating something very cold can cause the temperature of the palate to drop substantially.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, that drop initially causes blood vessels to constrict before they ultimately open up. It's during that expansion when the painful feelings associated with ice cream headache present.

THE FIX?

Taking small bites of ice cream can help prevent a headache and ensure those summertime scoops are pain-free, especially in July, which is National Ice Cream Month!