These harrowing near-death experiences result from a sudden temperature drop in the back roof of your mouth, where your soft and hard palates meet. This irritates a cluster of nerves called the sphenopalatine ganglion, provoking a painful rush of blood to your brain. Should a brain freeze attack, run to the nearest tap – or grab a cup that’s sitting out – and warm the ganglion by sipping tepid water. To prevent a freeze, slow down; if you’re eating or drinking too quickly, your mouth doesn’t have enough time to warm up, aggravating the nerve cluster and putting on the hurt.