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honeyscape

630d

Okay, this is more of a fun question, but it's fine 😂. I know that brain freeze is caused by changes in the constriction of the blood vessels in your mouth and brain. With POTS your blood vessels don't expand and constrict effectively. Theoretically POTS patients (or other dysautonomia patients) would be less likely to have brain freeze than the average person. I can't recall having brain freeze between now and when my symptoms started. ANYWAY, if any of that made sense, I'd love to know if I'm crazy or not.

Top reply
    • SmileySnail

      623d

      Wait I haven't had brain freeze in...omg not since my symptoms started. Wow! Omg you're right?!

    • SmileySnail

      623d

      Wait I haven't had brain freeze in...omg not since my symptoms started. Wow! Omg you're right?!

    • lillia

      623d

      I can literally bite ice cream because of this 💀

    • KitKat1450

      630d

      First of all I love this!!! If you ever have any more of these type of theories that you want to process let me know!! I think what you said, “less likely” is key. The reason I say that is because POTS symptoms can be on a continuum, as in sometimes it flares worse than other times. Also pointing out that the key word is “effectively” so it would be logical to say POTS could cause lower or higher constructing from triggers that would cause abnormal reaction to the stimulation. We have a problem with over/under constricting and dilating in areas that shouldn’t be then it could also go the other way that some patients are more likely to get brain freezes and not get brain freezes versus others with a well regulated nervous system. So my question is does they type of POTS correlate with the outcome? Just looked up some more info so I could have little more logical reply… brain freeze is more likely in ppl with migraines and is caused by quickly dilating blood vessels to increase the temp in the area. It’s also linked to trigeminal nerve sensitivity, which effects the cerebral blood flow velocity (also effected by sympathetic and parasympathetic). CBFv is compromised in 50% POTS patients. (This deep dive is incomplete and have to get back to work now so I apologize for that but hopefully helpful to get more wheels turning and I will get back to looking into this later). From personal experience, I drink a smoothie nearly every day and like it to be more of an icee consistency. Sometimes I notice brain freezes by just a tiny sip and am like wow really that was barely anything and then other days no brain freeze. Also, my blood vessels dilate more than constrict and at times when they shouldn’t be. So for me, that makes more sense why I would get more brain freezes because it’s like my body is just waiting for the smallest stimuli to over react to and dilate, which is quite annoying.

      • honeyscape

        628d

        @KitKat1450 WOAH! I really wasn't expecting that much effort, thanks! That's absolutely fascinating, and it really makes sense

        • KitKat1450

          628d

          @honeyscape 🤣 love anatomy theory questions!!! I find it fascinating too! As much as my body is dysfunctional, I can’t help but be mind blown sometimes. Also I got a brain freeze this morning but not yesterday. Only differences I can think of is drank less water than normal today (dehydration increase vasopressin which constricts) and more caffeine today (also constricts). So my theory🙌🏼 people with POTS probably are more likely to NOT get brain freeze naturally unless they are taking or doing things that constrict blood flow. My hitch in the theory was that my legs were noticeably swelling from doing things around my apartment to the point where I had to sit down and put my legs up for 15 mins before getting back up to make a smoothie. Now I’m wondering if I’m POTS patients, dehydration and stimulants over constrict blood vessels (more than normal) or if we actually respond slower or it varies and if so is that based on the type? But leaving that for a different day unless you or someone else want to take a crack at it. And to anyone reading this, please correct me if I am off on anything🙏🏻

    • gymdog

      630d

      😂 fun theoretical. I have had it since diagnosis

      • honeyscape

        628d

        @gymdog Hmm.... I suppose I'll have to keep collecting data then

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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