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14 Cold-Stimulus Headache
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activation is transmitted to the trigeminal nucleus in the brainstem, resulting in a referred pain sensation in the head. It is speculated that the participation of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is crucial in this process, as this cold­sensitive receptor, expressed in primary afferent neurons of the trigeminal ganglia or dorsal root, plays a role in neuronal sensitization, mediating responses to thermal stimuli and contributing to pain transmission [19, 20].
Additionally, cold can trigger a rapid vascular response in the cranial region, starting with vasoconstriction followed by compensatory dilation of the blood ves­sels [12]. These uctuations can exacerbate the onset of pain, especially in individu­als with migraine, as the underlying mechanism of transitioning from vasoconstriction to vasodilation of cranial arteries, often associated with the pathophysiology of migraine, can be observed in cold-stimulus headache attributed to ingestion or inha­lation of cold stimuli [17, 18]. It is possible that TRPM8, by regulating the activa­tion of cold-related nerve bers, plays a crucial role in these vascular responses, directly inuencing the perception of pain by increasing sensitivity to cold stim­uli [21].
Finally, the trigeminovascular reex plays a key role in various primary head­aches, including cold-stimulus headache, which is attributed to the ingestion or inhalation of cold stimuli. Activation of this system can lead to the release of inammatory neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which amplies pain perception. Moreover, cold sensitivity is inuenced by genetic and neurophysiological factors, with individuals who have a history of migraine showing a greater predisposition to respond intensely to cold stimuli [18, 19].

14.3 Case Presentation

We will describe the clinical case of two volunteers who experienced a migraine headache after being stimulated with ice. To induce pain, a standardized ice cube measuring 15×20mm was placed on the palate. The volunteers were instructed to close their mouths and keep the lower jaw immobile during the test. The ice contact time on the palate was set at 90s. Both volunteers reported a prior history of head­ache attributed to the ingestion or inhalation of cold stimuli and were able to tolerate the ice stimulation for the full 90s. They also stated that they avoided consuming cold foods to prevent the unpleasant sensation, and when consuming, they preferred to eat in a slower, more gradual manner at lower temperatures as alternatives to avoid triggering the pain.
The study was approved by the Ethics in Research Committee of the Health Science Center of the Federal University in Pernambuco, Brazil, under protocol number 089/2008 in accordance with resolution 196/96 of the National Health Council and in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
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D. A. de Oliveira and M. Valença
14.3.1 Clinical Case 1
A 19-year-old healthy woman with a diagnosis of migraine for approximately 10 years. The frequency of migraine attacks was, on average, two episodes per week, with a pain intensity of 8 on the numeric visual scale. She reported not using any prophylactic treatment for headaches, relying instead on analgesics to abort the attacks. During ice stimulation, the pain was described as an intense stabbing sensa­tion of short duration (13s), with a pain intensity of 9 on the numeric visual scale, occurring bilaterally in the temporal region, spontaneously resolving within 2min after removal of the cold stimulus. Approximately one hour after ice stimulation, the patient experienced a migraine attack lasting an average of six hours, accompanied by other associated symptoms such as nausea and photophobia.
14.3.2 Clinical Case 2
A 38-year-old healthy woman with a diagnosis of migraine for ve years. She reported frequent migraine attacks, approximately three episodes per week, with a pain intensity of 10 on the numeric visual scale. She had not been under specialized medical care for headache management for the past three years and relied on anal­gesics to abort attacks. During ice stimulation, the pain was described as an intense stabbing sensation, short in duration (25s), with an intensity of 8 on the numeric visual scale, occurring unilaterally in the temporal region (the side associated with her habitual migraine). The pain spontaneously resolved within 2min after removal of the cold stimulus. The volunteer then began a migraine episode approximately three hours after the ice test, lasting an average of twelve hours, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, osmophobia, photophobia, and phonophobia. In both cases, the volunteers reported using medication for pain relief but did not achieve success.

14.4 Case Discussion

These cases demonstrate the complexity of cold-stimulus headache in patients with a previous diagnosis of migraine. Both patients experienced a cold-induced head­ache during the ice stimulation protocol, characterized by a short-lasting, intense stabbing pain localized to the temporal region. Notably, the pain resolved spontane­ously within two minutes after removal of the cold stimulus in both cases.
In the rst case, a 19-year-old woman with a long-standing history of migraine experienced an attack approximately one hour after cold exposure, accompanied by classic migrainous symptoms. In the second case, a 38-year-old woman developed a migraine episode about three hours after the ice stimulation, which lasted for approximately twelve hours.
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The temporal relationship between the cold stimulus and the onset of migraine episodes in both patients raises the possibility of a triggering role of cold exposure in susceptible individuals. Neither patient had been under prophylactic treatment, and both relied solely on abortive analgesics, which proved insufcient in managing their symptoms. This highlights the importance of considering preventive strategies, particularly in patients with frequent and disabling attacks, and in whom cold expo­sure may act as a potential trigger.
Although CSH typically presents as a brief, self-limited pain, its ability to trigger full-blown migraine attacks in individuals with migraine predisposition suggests a potential pathophysiological overlap or sensitization. Further, the variable latency between the stimulus and the onset of migraine, as well as the different proles of associated symptoms, reects the heterogeneity of responses in migraine patients.

14.5 Clinical Characteristics

Headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimuli is characterized by sharp, short-lasting pain, typically described as pulsating or stabbing, occurring after the consumption of cold food or beverages or inhalation of cold air. It is com­monly referred to as the frontal or temporal region, and more frequently bilateral (though it can be lateralized to the side of habitual migrainosus headache in indi­viduals experiencing unilateral headache). The pain spontaneously resolves upon removal of the cold stimulus. Although not incapacitating, its presentation can be uncomfortable, with intensity ranging from moderate-to-intense but transient [1]. Rarely do individuals with this condition seek medical attention, as it is an avoid­able condition.
The primary trigger of headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimuli is the consumption of icy foods or beverages, such as ice cream or cold water [1]. For this reason, individuals with this type of headache often avoid con­suming such foods [22]. Studies indicate that about half of migraine patients take specic precautions when consuming cold foods, aiming to minimize the risk of triggering painful episodes [2, 11].
Individuals with a history of migraine are more predisposed to headache attrib­uted to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimulus, likely due to hyperexcitability of the trigeminovascular system [2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 17]. This heightened sensitivity to cold stimuli suggests a shared pathophysiological link between the two conditions, involving the amplication of pain perception mediated by inammatory neuropep­tides and sensory neural pathways [18]. These factors highlight the importance of considering a migraine history in the evaluation of patients with headache induced by cold stimuli.
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D. A. de Oliveira and M. Valença
14.6 Diagnostic Algorithm forCold-Stimulus Headache
The diagnosis of headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimulus is predominantly clinical, based on a detailed patient history and the identication of typical triggers, according to the criteria proposed by the International Classication of Headache Disorders [1].
Step 1: Clinical Suspicion
Identify Key Symptoms:
– Sudden-onset, sharp or stabbing head pain triggered by direct exposure to
cold stimuli (e.g., ice packs, cold wind, swimming in cold water, ingestion of cold food or drinks).
– Pain is typically short in duration (seconds to minutes), localized to the
forehead, temples, or occipital region.
– In some cases, particularly in individuals with migraine, the cold stimulus
may trigger a delayed migraine attack (minutes to hours later).
– No underlying structural abnormalities on neuroimaging.
Step 2: Rule Out Secondary Causes
Clinical History and Examination:
– Exclude other causes of cold-induced pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia,
sinus pathology, or Raynaud’s phenomenon.
– Evaluate for signs of systemic illness or neurological decit.
Step 3: Evaluate for Comorbid Migraine
Assess Headache History:
– Determine the presence of an underlying primary headache disorder, espe-
cially migraine. – Identify if cold-stimulus acts as a consistent trigger for migraine episodes; – Consider the frequency, intensity, and duration of subsequent migraine
attacks.
Step 4: Apply ICHD-3 Diagnostic Criteria (Table 14.1)
Use the criteria from ICHD-3 (2018) to classify:
– 4.5.1: External application of cold stimulus. – 4.5.2: Ingestion or inhalation of cold stimulus. – 4.5.3: Probable Cold-stimulus Headache (when criteria are almost, but not
fully, met).
14 Cold-Stimulus Headache
141
Table 14.1
Classication of Headache Disorders [1]
4.5 Cold-stimulus headache
Description: Headache brought on by a cold stimulus applied externally to the head or ingested or inhaled.
4.5.1 Headache attributed to the external application of a cold stimulus
Description: Headache following exposure of the unprotected head to a very low environmental temperature.
Diagnostic criteria:
A.At least two acute headache episodes fullling criteria B and C B.Brought on by and occurring only during application of an external cold stimulus to the
C.Resolving within 30min after removal of the cold stimulus D.Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
4.5.2 Headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus
Description: Short-lasting frontal or temporal pain, which may be intense, is induced in susceptible people by the passage of cold material (solid, liquid, or gaseous) over the palate and/ or posterior pharyngeal wall.
Diagnostic criteria:
A.At least two episodes of acute frontal or temporal headache fullling criteria B and C B.Brought on by and occurring immediately after a cold stimulus to the palate and/or
C.Resolving within 10min after removal of the cold stimulus D.Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
4.5.3 Probable cold-stimulus headache
Diagnostic criteria:
A.A single headache episode fullling criteria B and C B.Brought on by and occurring only during or immediately after a cold stimulus applied
C.Resolving within 10min after removal of the cold stimulus
D.Not fullling ICHD-3 criteria for any other headache disorder. E.Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3
Diagnosis Comment: Codable subforms are 4.5.3.1 Headache, probably attributed to external application
of a cold stimulus, and 4.5.3.2 Headache, probably attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus.
Diagnostic criteria for headaches according to the third edition of the International
head.
posterior pharyngeal wall from ingestion of cold food or drink or inhalation of cold air
externally to the head or ingested or inhaled.

14.7 Treatment/Management

Management of cold-stimulus headache primarily involves educating patients about potential triggers, such as exposure to low ambient temperatures or the consumption of cold foods and beverages. Preventive strategies are limited to the avoidance of these stimuli, as there is currently no evidence-based prophylactic treatment recom­mended for this type of headache.
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D. A. de Oliveira and M. Valença
Avoidance Strategies:
Educate the patient to avoid known cold triggers (e.g., sudden cold drinks, unpro-
tected exposure to cold air or water).
Immediate Removal of the Cold Stimulus:
Patients should be instructed to stop or terminate exposure to the triggering cold stimulus immediately. This may involve avoiding cold foods or beverages, staying out of cold environments, or covering exposed skin when in contact with cold tem­peratures. Immediate cessation of the stimulus is usually sufcient to quickly relieve symptoms, as the headache typically resolves within seconds to minutes after the trigger is removed.

14.8 Conclusion

The report of these two cases, in which an ice stimulus applied to the oral cavity triggered not only immediate pain (i.e., cold-stimulus headache) but also pain occurring one and three hours after the cold stimulus, a full-blown migraine attack lasting for hours, demonstrates that ice-induced headache can act as a trigger for a migraine episode. This observation highlights another connection between these two types of headaches, not only in their occurrence in susceptible migraine patients but also in the potential role of cold-stimulus headache as a trigger for a migraine episode a few hours after the cold stimulus.
Although not debilitating, a headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimulus raises important questions about the underlying mechanisms of cold­induced pain and its interactions with other primary headaches, such as migraine. It is speculated that these two conditions share similar pathophysiological mecha­nisms, such as neuronal hyperexcitability and the activation of the trigeminovascu­lar system [18].
In this context, it is speculated that the TRPM8 receptor, a cold-sensitive ion channel activated by low temperatures (<28°C) and cooling compounds like men­thol, may have implications as a central mediator in cold-stimulus headache. Its activation, located in peripheral thermoreceptors, particularly in the oral cavity and pharynx, triggers a cascade of neural signals that propagate through the trigeminal nerve to the central nervous system [19, 21]. Thus, it is possible that TRPM8 acts as a modulator of neuronal excitation in cold conditions, contributing to the perception of pain. Increased expression or heightened sensitivity may explain why some indi­viduals are more susceptible to headache attributed to the ingestion or inhalation of cold stimuli [20, 21].
Furthermore, the fundamental role of the trigeminovascular reex in the observed pathophysiology is highlighted [17]. In the two clinical cases presented, the activa­tion of this system likely led to the release of inammatory neuropeptides, such as CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide). This release may have played a key role in
14 Cold-Stimulus Headache
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sensitizing the trigeminovascular neurons, contributing to the onset of the migraine attacks observed in the volunteers [3, 18].
The headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of cold stimulus is a common clinical condition that clearly illustrates the complex interplay between environ­mental, physiological, and neurological factors in the genesis of pain. Despite its non-disabling nature, understanding its mechanisms, such as possible activation of the trigeminal nerve, cerebral vasoconstriction, vasodilation, the trigeminovascular reex, and the role of the TRPM8 receptor, not only improves clinical management but also paves the way for new research in primary headaches and the mechanisms of pain in general.
The typical presentation, characterized by acute, short-duration pain triggered by cold stimuli, facilitates the clinical diagnosis but requires careful consideration to rule out secondary conditions in atypical presentations. Simple preventive strate­gies, combined with patient education, are often sufcient to manage most cases, while advancements in molecular neuroscience, such as the study of TRPM8, offer promising prospects for future treatments. By recognizing and exploring this condi­tion, healthcare professionals and researchers can not only alleviate patient discom­fort but also contribute to a broader understanding of headache mechanisms.

References

1. Headache Classication Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classication of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1–211.
2. Raskin NH, Knittle SC. Ice cream headache and orthostatic symptoms in patients with migraine. Headache. 1976;16(5):222–5.
3. Bird N, MacGregor EA, Wilkinson MI.Ice cream headache—site, duration, and relationship to migraine. Headache. 1992;32(1):35–8.
4. Aromaa M, Sillanpää ML, Rautava P, Helenius H.Childhood headache at school entry: a con­trolled clinical study. Neurology. 1998;50(6):1729–36.
5. Mattsson P.Headache caused by drinking cold water is common and related to active migraine. Cephalalgia. 2001;21(3):230–5.
6. Kaczorowski M, Kaczorowski J, headaches Ice. Ice cream evoked headaches (ICE­H) study: randomised trial of accelerated versus cautious ice cream eating regimen. BMJ. 2002;325(7378):1445–6.
7. Fuh JL, Wang SJ, Lu SR, Juang KD.Ice-cream headache—a large survey of 8359 adolescents. Cephalalgia. 2003;23(10):977–81.
8. Selekler HM, Erdogan MS, Budak F.Prevalence and clinical characteristics of an experimen­tal model of ‘ice-cream headache’ in migraine and episodic tension-type headache patients. Cephalalgia. 2004;24(4):293–7.
9. Sjaastad O, Bakketeig LS.Hydrogen sulphide headache and other rare, global headaches: Vågå study. Cephalalgia. 2006;26(4):466–76.
10. de Oliveira DA, Valença MM. The characteristics of head pain in response to an experi­mental cold stimulus to the palate: an observational study of 414 volunteers. Cephalalgia. 2012;32(15):1123–30.
11. Zierz AM, Mehl T, Kraya T, Wienke A, Zierz S.Ice cream headache in students and family history of headache: a cross-sectional epidemiological study. J Neurol. 2016;263(6):1106–10.
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12. Drummond PD, Lance JW.Neurovascular disturbances in headache patients. Clin Exp Neurol. 1984;20:93–9.
13. Mages S, Hensel O, Zierz AM, Kraya T, Zierz S.Experimental provocation of ‘ice-cream headache’ by ice cubes and ice water. Cephalalgia. 2017;37(5):464–9.
14. Rasmussen BK, Olesen J.Symptomatic and nonsymptomatic headaches in a general popula­tion. Neurology. 1992;42(6):1225–31.
15. Sleigh JW.Ice cream headache. Cerebral vasoconstriction causing decrease in arterial ow may have role. BMJ. 1997;315(7108):609.
16. Hensel O, Burow P, Mages S, Wienke A, Kraya T, Zierz S.Increased blood ow velocity in middle cerebral artery and headache upon ingestion of ice water. Front Neurol. 2019;10:677.
17. Lance JW.Fifty years of migraine research. Aust N Z J Med. 1988;18(3):311–7.
18. Chebini A, Dilli E.Cold stimulus headache. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2019;19(7):46.
19. Knowlton WM, Palkar R, Lippoldt EK, McCoy DD, Baluch F, Chen J, etal. A sensory-labeled line for cold: TRPM8-expressing sensory neurons dene the cellular basis for cold, cold pain, and cooling-mediated analgesia. J Neurosci. 2013;33(7):2837–48.
20. McKemy DD, Neuhausser WM, Julius D.Identication of a cold receptor reveals a general role for TRP channels in thermosensation. Nature. 2002;416(6876):52–8.
21. Takashima Y, Daniels RL, Knowlton W, Teng J, Liman ER, McKemy DD.Diversity in the neural circuitry of cold sensing revealed by genetic axonal labeling of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 neurons. J Neurosci. 2007;27(51):14147–57.
22. Hulihan J.Ice cream headache. BMJ. 1997;314(7091):1364.
D. A. de Oliveira and M. Valença
Chapter 15
External-Pressure Headache
ErleneRobertaRibeirodos Santos , JulianaRamosde Andrade , andWelberSousaOliveira

15.1 Introduction

External-pressure headaches (EPH) are a distinct group of primary headache disor­ders caused by sustained mechanical forces applied to the scalp [1]. Previously classied as cranial neuralgias in the International Classication of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-2), they have been redened as primary headaches in ICHD-3, reecting a better understanding of their pathophysiology. EPH includes three subtypes: external-compression headaches (ECH), typically caused by tight headgear such as helmets or personal protective equipment (PPE), and external­traction headaches (ETH), associated with hairstyles or accessories exerting pulling forces. These subtypes are distinguished by their causative mechanisms, with diag­nostic criteria emphasizing the transient and reversible nature of these headaches. The onset of pain is directly linked to the application of external force, and resolu­tion occurs rapidly after the removal of the trigger [1].
The signicance of EPH has been highlighted in specic occupational and envi­ronmental contexts. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers reported bilateral headaches linked to the prolonged use of N95 masks and goggles, underscoring the condition’s prevalence in high-stress settings
E. R. R. dos Santos (*) Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
Coordinator of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Brazilian Headache Society, Recife, PE, Brazil
J. R. de Andrade Danish Headache Center, Translational Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen of University, Denmark Brazilian Headache Society– Experimental and Clinical Research Committee, Copenhagen, Denmark
W. S. Oliveira Centro Especializado em Hipermobilidade e Dor, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
Switzerland AG 2026 D. Uludüz et al. (eds.), Rare Causes of Headache Disorders, Headache,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-10242-3_15
145© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature
146
[2]. Similar patterns have been observed in military and occupational settings where helmets and other equipment are mandatory.
Although typically mild and transient, EPH can become severe and persist in individuals with pre-existing headache disorders, affecting their quality of life and productivity. Understanding its denition, classication, and epidemiology is essen­tial for accurate diagnosis and management. This includes ergonomic adaptations, preventive strategies, and prompt symptom relief to minimize its impact, particu­larly in settings where headgear or similar accessories are unavoidable.
E. R. R. dos Santos et al.

15.2 Case Presentation

A 53-year-old woman presented with a long-standing history of headaches that began at menarche, predominantly occurring during perimenstrual periods. These headaches were described as frontal, constant, and moderate to severe in intensity, often accompanied by photophobia and phonophobia, though she denied nausea or osmophobia. The headaches were aggravated by routine physical activity and occurred approximately two to three days per month. More recently, following the onset of amenorrhea, the intensity of her headaches diminished. The episodes were often preceded by cervical pain, and she reported no auras. Over-the-counter anal­gesics were typically effective in managing her symptoms.
The patient also noted sensitivity to other headgear, such as glasses and head­bands, which needed to be lightweight and soft to avoid triggering headaches.
Approximately one year ago (in 2024), she began participating in water-based exercise (hydro-gymnastics) and experienced headaches directly related to the use of a swim cap. When wearing a fabric swim cap with an elastic band, she experi­enced mild, localized discomfort at the points of contact with the elastic. This dis­comfort resolved immediately upon removing the cap and did not require the use of analgesics. However, after switching to a silicone swim cap, her headaches became more severe and diffuse, described as holocranial with a pressing quality. These headaches were accompanied by photophobia and phonophobia, signicantly affecting her ability to concentrate during exercise sessions. Unlike the headaches caused by the fabric swim cap, these episodes persisted even after removing the sili­cone cap and occasionally required the use of common analgesics. Due to the wors­ening of her symptoms, she eventually discontinued hydro-gymnastics.

15.3 Case Discussion

This case presents a female patient with a pre-existing history of headaches that meet the criteria for episodic migraine without aura and menstrual related migraine without aura. Her history of avoiding head accessories, such as glasses and head­bands, due to pain, already suggested a previous diagnosis of external-pressure