We’ve got the perfect remedy for bad headaches, especially when the weather turns hot. Watch our video to learn how inducing an ice cream headache can rout a migraine before it has a chance to take hold.
We know this sounds crazy…fighting really bad headaches by inducing headaches seems counterproductive. But scientists reported at a conference that brain freeze results when blood vessels above the soft palate in the mouth quickly dilate and then rapidly constrict. Dilation of the anterior cerebral artery occurs in an attempt to protect the brain from really cold food or fluids.
As soon as the brain experiences increased blood flow in this artery and pain, the arteries constrict. The pain then disappears. We suspect this mechanism may also interrupt the underlying vascular factors contributing to a migraine.
Why Induce Brain Freeze?
A question from a reader clarifies the problem with common pain relievers. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen may be fine for occasional use, but frequent use carries risks. Not everyone can take them.
Q. I have migraines that I used to control with ibuprofen. After suffering severe stomach erosion, I gave up on that except for an emergency.
Now that we know that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, I need a headache medicine that will be safe. I searched the web and all the prescription medicines have warnings about heart attacks. Is there anything I can safely take when I have a migraine?
A. NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can cause life-threatening bleeding ulcers. Since you are susceptible to this reaction, you must avoid such medications.
Danish scientists found that people who had experienced heart attacks were about 50 percent more likely to have a second one if they were taking ibuprofen, diclofenac or similar drugs (Circulation, online Sept. 10, 2012).
Stories from Real People:
We have heard from a surprising number of people that brain freeze actually can work.
Gordon in Melbourne, Australia:
“Here is my story. Every week for the last 3 years I have suffered from one 18 hour headache. During this time I have sought treatment from Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Chinese Doctors, Naturopaths, Medical Doctors and Neurosurgeons. I even went on a 28 day silent meditation retreat. During the retreat I still encountered a few bad headaches.
“The headaches have the same pattern every time. A slow build up to a peak and then come down the same way. It is a gradual build then decline over the 18 hour period. I best describe them as a hangover type feeling accompanied with plenty of yawning.
“Last night whilst out for dinner at a Japanese restaurant I felt the early stages of the headache approaching. I was heading for 5 consecutive painful Saturdays. The kids wanted a Green Tea soft serve ice cream in a cone. After much discussion my wife and I caved in to their demands.
“I decided I would indulge. It was during the ice cream that I noted that my headache cycle had been interupted. After we got home I chilled some water and drank a few glasses before going to bed.
“This morning I could feeling the remnants of a headache so I have sucked a few ice blocks. So far so good. I have now begun the Google search and have discovered that I am not alone in benefitting from this approach.”
Michael shares this:
“Dreyer’s all fruit Popsicles work great. They fit into the roof of my mouth perfectly. I get almost instant results, though sometimes it will take 2-3 Popsicles.
“I get the super bad cluster migraines. Pure suicidal hell. Popsicles are heaven sent.”
Raegolema adds:
“I have been suffering from severe migraines and recently noticed that if I chug a Slurpee and induce ‘brain freeze’ my headache immediately clears up if not entirely goes away. It makes more of a difference than my prescription medication.”
RJ offers a really inexpensive solution:
“I had a migraine all day today. I drank ice cold water and it INSTANTLY went away. I felt extremely refreshed and alert. It was as if I hadn’t been in any pain at all. I felt better than ever.”
JFLC reports:
“I also had to stop taking ibuprofen because of over use and stomach problems. I take Maxalt for migraines but occasionally it doesn’t work so I tried the “brain-freeze” technique and it helped. I have many alternative solutions that I try when conventional medicine isn’t working for me. Acupressure and acupuncture are also useful, I’ve found.
“Good luck treating your migraine. What works for some may not work for others.”
We cannot guarantee that inducing an ice cream headache or drinking ice cold water will work for everyone, but as you can see, some people do seem to benefit. In hot weather, drinking something cold or eating ice cream does not seem like such a bad remedy for bad headaches. You may want to pass this tip on to a friend and encourage those who suffer from bad headaches to watch our video. Our Guide to Headaches & Migraines offers additional alternative approaches including magnesium, vitamin B2, acupuncture and herbs such as butterbur, feverfew and ginger.
Please add your own story below in the comment section and vote on this article at the top of the page.
