We ask WellSpan ear-nose-and throat physician Dr. Josh Dunklebarger to explain this painful summertime malady.

Technical name: Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.

Cause: It's believed to be triggered by the rapid constriction and expansion of blood vessels in the roof of your mouth, when you take a big gulp of icy liquid or a giant bite of a frozen treat on a hot summer day.

Sufferers: Anyone who enjoys a slushy or eaten ice cream too fast has probably experienced this at some point in life. Kids are particularly prone because they are likely gulpers. Migraine sufferers also are more susceptible.

Treatment: Act quickly. Get the icy substance out of your mouth and then press your thumb or your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth. Or drink a warm – not hot! – liquid.