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What Causes Brain Freeze After Having Cold Chocolate Drinks?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Hello, a strange thing keeps happening, it sounds silly but I don't know how else to explain it but I will drink a McD mocha frappe, and get a brain freeze feeling that starts in the back of my throat and I slowly begin to pass out. I eat otter pops all the time chew on them and no problem. I know stop drinking the frappes.

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Answered by Dr. Alok Sinha (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Apparently it is due to vagal stimulation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
It is good to ask a health related query here.
The drink you mentioned ( Mc D Mocha Frappe) is a mixture of ice, chocolate, coffee, cream, cocoa and milk with few stabilizers. Non of the ingredients mentioned above can have so instant reaction. But it can be explained by vagal (a nerve called vagus) stimulation.

In back of throat there is supply of a cranial nerve called 'Vagus'. Due to iced beverages/swallowing of ice cubes may stimulate this nerve. Stimulation of vagus causes suuden lowering of blood pressure and cardiac output leading to immediate dizziness (brain freezing sensation) nausea, vomiting, giddiness etc.

Apparently it is happening with you.
Better to avoid iced drinks.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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Answered by
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Dr. Alok Sinha

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 212 Questions

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What Causes Brain Freeze After Having Cold Chocolate Drinks?

Brief Answer: Apparently it is due to vagal stimulation Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM, It is good to ask a health related query here. The drink you mentioned ( Mc D Mocha Frappe) is a mixture of ice, chocolate, coffee, cream, cocoa and milk with few stabilizers. Non of the ingredients mentioned above can have so instant reaction. But it can be explained by vagal (a nerve called vagus) stimulation. In back of throat there is supply of a cranial nerve called 'Vagus'. Due to iced beverages/swallowing of ice cubes may stimulate this nerve. Stimulation of vagus causes suuden lowering of blood pressure and cardiac output leading to immediate dizziness (brain freezing sensation) nausea, vomiting, giddiness etc. Apparently it is happening with you. Better to avoid iced drinks.