How Many Thoughts Do Brains Generate?
Quantifying the number of thoughts that cross a person’s mind each day has always been a challenge for researchers. Defining what constitutes a “thought” and finding a way to accurately measure its frequency is no easy task. However, a recent study conducted in 2020 proposes that the average individual has a staggering 6,000 thoughts per day. Previous studies, although less reliable, have provided estimates ranging from 15,000 to as high as 70,000 thoughts on a daily basis.
Brain Freeze: The Medical Term for a Cold-Induced Headache
Did you know that the throbbing headache you experience after eating something cold actually has a medical name? It’s called sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. Let’s take a closer look at what happens in your brain when you get a brain freeze.
When you consume something cold, like ice cream or an icy beverage, the temperature at the back of your throat drops rapidly. This sudden drop in temperature affects the meeting point of two important arteries that supply blood to the brain. These arteries are located in the outer layers of the brain, known as the meninges.
In response to the cold stimulus, the arteries in the meninges undergo a series of dilation and contraction. This process triggers a distinctive headache, commonly referred to as brain freeze. The sensation of pain is felt in the forehead region.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that frozen treat and experience a sudden, intense headache, remember that it’s just your body’s response to the cold stimulus. And now you know the scientific name for it: sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.