A headache attributed to the external application of a cold stimulus is a diffuse or an all-over headache that develops after exposure of one's unprotected head to a low temperature, such as jumping into a cold pool or walking outdoors on a freezing cold day. A headache usually resolves within 30 minutes of having the cold exposure removed.
A cold stimulus headache that occurs after ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus is usually located on the forehead or in the temples and is also not usually throbbing. The headache resolves within 10 minutes of removing the cold stimulus.