What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Brain Freeze Headache
• Ice-Cream Headache

What is Cold-Stimulus Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cold-Stimulus Headache is a common form of primary headache disorder that develops from exposure to cold objects (stimulus) that come into direct physical contact with the head or even the insides of the mouth, such as from breathing in cold air or vapors or from consuming cold foods and beverages, among others
• Based on the type and application of the external cold stimulus, Cold-Stimulus Headaches are classified into the following subtypes:
  • Headache Attributed to External Application of a Cold Stimulus - when headache develops from exposure of the unprotected head to cold stimuli such as from cold weathers, walk-in freezers, diving into cold waters, or even while receiving cryotherapy
  • Headache Attributed to Ingestion or Inhalation of a Cold Stimulus - when headache develops from eating and drinking cold food stuffs or from inhaling cold air or other gasses. This subtype is also known as a Brain Freeze Headache
  • Probable Cold-Stimulus Headache - here, the signs and symptoms does not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria outlined for Cold-Stimulus Headache and its other subtypes, as recognized by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)
• In Headache Attributed to External Application of a Cold Stimulus, the pain may be one-sided, of short duration (usually not lasting more than half an hour), and often intense. It may involve any part of the head, but is mostly observed in the frontal region, above the eyes, or above the ears (sides of the head)
• In Headache Attributed to Ingestion or Inhalation of a Cold Stimulus, the pain usually involves both sides of the head and is of a short duration (not more than 10 minutes), and often intense. The pain is mostly observed in the frontal region or on the sides (above the ears)
• Individuals of any age group, gender, race, or ethnicity may be at risk for Cold-Stimulus Headache. The condition is common among the general population, although those with a history of migraine are observed to have a higher risk for the condition

The criteria for diagnosis of Cold-Stimulus Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

For Headache Attributed to External Application of a Cold Stimulus:

• At least two acute headache episodes fulfilling the criteria below
• Brought on by and occurring only during application of an external cold stimulus to the head
• Resolving within 30 minutes after removal of the cold stimulus
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

For Headache Attributed to Ingestion or Inhalation of a Cold Stimulus:

• At least two episodes of acute frontal or temporal headache fulfilling the criteria below
• Brought on by and occurring immediately after a cold stimulus to the palate and/or posterior pharyngeal wall from ingestion of cold food or drink or inhalation of cold air
• Resolving within 10 minutes after removal of the cold stimulus
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)