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What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Feb 2017
Question: Hi, For the past month or two I have occasional sensations that I need to sneeze, but the sneeze never comes. I don't sneeze often, but this seems like a really long stretch to not have a sneeze. Is this worrisome or just something I should dismiss? I have occasional headaches but nothing too severe? Is it possible to forget how to sneeze or lose the ability? As you can tell, I'm building some anxiety about this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No reason for alarm.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

However I think you shouldn't worry about it. There are some very rare occasions where loss of the ability to sneeze is due to a brain lesion in an area of the brain stem called the medulla. However almost always there are other accompanying symptoms as it is a region with a high concentration of brain nuclei and nerve fibers, so loss of sneeze reflex would not be an isolated manifestation. A MRI can be scheduled to put your mind at rest but I am really confident it will turn out to be normal.

Most times it is related to psychological causes and the fact that you're building anxiety over it may in turn affect the issue. So you should relax as nothing needs to be done, no harm will come out of it.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (40 minutes later)
thanks very much for the answer. I will take your advice and let it go. I appreciate your explanation.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to have been of help.

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

Brief Answer: No reason for alarm. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. However I think you shouldn't worry about it. There are some very rare occasions where loss of the ability to sneeze is due to a brain lesion in an area of the brain stem called the medulla. However almost always there are other accompanying symptoms as it is a region with a high concentration of brain nuclei and nerve fibers, so loss of sneeze reflex would not be an isolated manifestation. A MRI can be scheduled to put your mind at rest but I am really confident it will turn out to be normal. Most times it is related to psychological causes and the fact that you're building anxiety over it may in turn affect the issue. So you should relax as nothing needs to be done, no harm will come out of it. I remain at your disposal for other questions.