Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Brain Bleeding? Mild Head Pain - Internal Medicine

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Mild pain


Hello, I would like to ask if sneezing or blowing my nose too forcefully could accidentally cause a brain hemorrhage, as I heard a classmate mention this before.
Also, there is a slightly painful bony area on the right side of my head that I notice when washing my hair.
I'm worried it might be due to sneezing in the morning, but when I consulted a doctor, they said it wouldn't cause that and it was likely just from bumping my head while sleeping.
Could you please explain what mild pain in that area might indicate? I'm really concerned, but I feel like I sometimes have poor sleeping positions, and my family says I'm just scaring myself.
I hope you can provide some clarity.
Thank you.

Ye, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/25

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine


Hello, sneezing or blowing your nose too forcefully will not cause a brain hemorrhage.
As for the tenderness you mentioned in certain areas, it may be related to pressure on the periosteum.
If you are not experiencing any significant discomfort, there is no need to worry.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/02/25

More Info


Sneezing or blowing your nose forcefully can indeed lead to various complications, but the risk of causing a brain bleed from such actions is relatively low for most individuals. However, it is important to understand the anatomy and physiology involved, as well as the potential risks associated with forceful sneezing or nose blowing.

When you sneeze or blow your nose, the pressure in your head increases significantly. This sudden increase in pressure can potentially lead to a few issues, particularly if there are pre-existing conditions or vulnerabilities in the blood vessels of the brain. For example, individuals with aneurysms (weakened areas in blood vessel walls) or arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins) may be at a higher risk of bleeding due to the sudden pressure change. In healthy individuals, however, the risk remains quite low.

The symptoms you describe, such as mild pain in the area of the skull, could be attributed to several benign causes. It is not uncommon for people to experience discomfort in the skull due to muscle tension, minor injuries, or even sinus pressure. If you have been sleeping in an awkward position, it is possible that you may have strained the muscles in your neck or scalp, leading to localized pain. Additionally, if you have been experiencing sinus congestion or allergies, this could also contribute to discomfort in the head.

If the pain is mild and transient, it is generally not a cause for concern. However, if you experience persistent or worsening pain, headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter pain relief, or any neurological symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or visual disturbances, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires attention.

In terms of the specific area you mentioned—the "突突地骨頭" (the bony prominence on the skull)—it is important to note that the skull is made up of several bones that can be felt under the skin. Tenderness in this area can occur due to minor trauma, inflammation, or even tension headaches. If your doctor has evaluated you and determined that there is no significant injury or cause for concern, it is likely that the discomfort is benign.

To summarize, while forceful sneezing or nose blowing can theoretically lead to complications in certain individuals, the general population is at low risk for brain bleeding from these actions. If you are experiencing mild pain in a specific area of your skull, it is likely due to benign causes such as muscle tension or minor trauma. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms change, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Maintaining good posture while sleeping and managing any underlying sinus issues may also help alleviate discomfort.

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