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What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2017

Question: Hi, For the past few months I have had sensations that I need to sneeze, but then the feeling just evaporates. I have also tried to stimulate sneezing by using a tissue and that rarely works. I am not a 'big sneezer' but this symptom is beginning to cause me some anxiety based on some google searches that I have done. I have seen my GP and he told me that it was probably nothing and did not do any specific tests. I recently saw an ENT doctor and he examined my nostrils and did not see anything worrisome, and did not provide much input. Could this be a neurological issue? I don't have any other worrisome symptoms. Any explanation and/or advice would be very much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be related to neurological conditions.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In rare cases, sneezing sensation may be linked to cerebrospinal fluid leak through bones and brain coverings defects, but this mainly happens after head trauma, and other symptoms such evident leakage, salty feeling in nostrils, are evident.

Since you don't have any other symptoms, and ENT evaluation didn't find anything wrong that may cause you to have sneezing sensation, I don't think it is caused by any neurological condition.

Allergies should be taken into consideration in such cases.

Please discuss with your Doctor about getting evaluated about possible allergies and diagnostic tests (pin prick tests) to identify the cause.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Thanks for the explanation. I only became concerned about it being a neurological issue because of what I read about brain lesions causing the sneeze reflex to be impaired. Should I dismiss that concern? Could you please explain if inability to sneeze is ever a neurological issue. I have not sneezed despite the urge to in more than 3 months. is that in itself a concern ? I will plan to get allergy testing as per your suggestion. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry much more than necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Brain lesions that impair sneeze reflex, always are accompanied by other symptoms and neurological signs, so, since you don't have any other issues, you shouldn't worry about.

Again, since there are no other symptoms, inability to sneeze may be of psychological origin, since you are paying too much attention to it.

You shouldn't worry much more than necessary.

Hope I helped you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (30 minutes later)

thanks very much for the explanation. I appreciate it and you are correct that I am obsessing about the issue. Do you recommend I ignore it and not seek out additional doctors?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get evaluated about allergies.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

As we discussed before, an evaluation and tests about possible allergies should be carried out.

So, discuss with your Doctor about getting evaluated further in this direction.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng