Can Holding Back a Sneeze Cause Brain Damage? the Risks

Q: Can Holding Back a Sneeze Cause Brain Damage? the Risks

Hello, Miss： Your symptoms should first consider inflammation of the neck muscles. <br>This is related to overuse of the neck. <br>Regarding your concern about cerebrovascular disease, it can sometimes present clinically as "thunderclap headache." Thunderclap headache is generall

Feeling a rush of air towards the back of the head when suppressing a sneeze?

While lying on the floor reading, I suddenly felt the urge to sneeze.
I held my mouth closed during the sneeze, and I felt a force pushing towards the back of my head.
Now, about an hour has passed, and I don't have any significant symptoms, just a slight sensation at the back of my head (but I'm not sure if it's because I'm overly anxious about this situation, which might be amplifying my feelings).
I would like to know if there is a possibility of brain injury in this situation.
I found information online suggesting that holding in a sneeze could lead to conditions like a brain hemorrhage, stroke, or ruptured blood vessels, and I'm feeling a bit worried...

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/04

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Miss: Your symptoms should first consider inflammation of the neck muscles.
This is related to overuse of the neck.
Regarding your concern about cerebrovascular disease, it can sometimes present clinically as "thunderclap headache." Thunderclap headache is generally characterized by severe pain that meets the following two criteria: 1.
Sudden onset, reaching maximum intensity in less than 1 minute.
2.
Lasting from 1 hour to 10 days, with irregular recurrences in the following weeks or months.
It is recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for examination and follow-up.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/07/04

More Info

Holding back a sneeze can indeed lead to some potential health risks, but the likelihood of causing significant brain damage is extremely low. When you suppress a sneeze, the pressure that builds up in your head can lead to various complications, although serious outcomes are rare.

When you sneeze, it is a reflex action that helps clear irritants from your nasal passages. The force of a sneeze can be quite powerful, with air being expelled from the lungs at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. If you hold back a sneeze, the pressure that would normally be released can instead build up in your nasal passages and sinuses. This can lead to a few potential issues:
1. Sinus Problems: The increased pressure can cause sinus pain or even sinus infections. In some cases, it can lead to a rupture of the sinus membranes, which can be quite painful.

2. Ear Problems: The pressure can also affect your ears, potentially leading to a condition known as barotrauma, which can cause pain, discomfort, or even temporary hearing loss.

3. Blood Vessel Issues: There are anecdotal reports of individuals experiencing blood vessel rupture in the eyes or nose due to the pressure from holding in a sneeze. In very rare cases, this pressure could theoretically lead to more serious issues like a hemorrhage, but this is exceedingly uncommon.

4. Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches after suppressing a sneeze due to the sudden change in pressure within the skull.

Regarding your specific concern about brain damage, while there are extreme cases where holding in a sneeze has been linked to serious complications, such as a brain aneurysm or stroke, these instances are exceedingly rare. Most people who hold back a sneeze will not experience any lasting effects. The mild sensation you feel in the back of your head could be due to tension or anxiety about the situation rather than any actual injury.

If you are feeling anxious about your health or experiencing persistent symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and reassurance based on your specific situation. In general, if you feel the urge to sneeze, it is advisable to let it happen naturally, using a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

In summary, while there are some risks associated with holding back a sneeze, the chances of causing significant brain damage are very low. It is always better to allow your body to perform its natural reflexes when possible. If you have any ongoing concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for guidance.

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