OpenHealth Q&A

Inability to Sneeze: Potential Neural Communication Issues

Hello. I’m seeking assistance to comprehend my situation and explore possible remedies. I’m a 25-year-old male working as a software engineer and currently not taking any medications. For the last two years, I have experienced an inability to sneeze. This issue first arose following two significant incidents involving exposure to neurotoxic substances, which led to a variety of neurological symptoms. 1) **Vitamin B6 Toxicity**: Over a span of 4-6 weeks, I received seven intramuscular injections of a B-complex vitamin, each containing 100mg of Vitamin B6 in the pyridoxine form. Shortly after beginning these injections, my health rapidly declined, and numerous symptoms emerged. Research has identified pyridoxine as potentially neurotoxic, with recent documentaries and studies — particularly from the Australian community — raising awareness about this condition. In response, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps to restrict the sale of B6 supplements and to lower their permissible amounts. For more insight into the seriousness of this issue, you can find several informative short documentaries on the ABC News YouTube channel. 2) **Insecticide Exposure**: While undergoing the B6 treatment, I also encountered a concerning situation where I inhaled toxic insecticide fumes. Not realizing the danger due to nasal congestion from a minor illness, I sprayed a considerable amount of insecticide in my room. It was only after I started coughing that I realized I had been breathing in these harmful fumes. It occurred late at night when I was already feeling unwell, and I opted to go to sleep shortly afterward. Both incidents occurred in September to October of 2021, after which I began to experience an alarming array of around twenty symptoms affecting my sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. I developed severe numbness and tingling in various parts of my body, involuntary muscle movements, ataxia, facial numbness accompanied by a loss of muscle volume in my face due to nerve damage, and symptoms that resembled diabetes such as excessive thirst and fatigue post-meals. Other issues included rapid heart rate, skin lesions, an inability to sweat, extreme muscle weakness, and significant psychological symptoms, including emotional numbness and anhedonia. Virtually every area involving nerves seemed to be impacted. Now, 18 months later, I’ve made considerable progress, with most of the symptoms easing, but I still struggle with the inability to sneeze. Recently, after experiencing a flu, I noticed that my body failed to sneeze about 90% of the time. I feel the urge to sneeze starting deep in my lungs, traveling to the tip of my nose, yet it rarely culminates in an actual sneeze. Instead, I feel pressure released in alternative ways, sometimes sensed as pressure in my head, and occasionally, I experience tears running from my eyes and nose when the sneezing sensation arises, yet no sneeze follows. Despite waiting a year and a half for recovery and seeing improvements in my larger nerves, these specific bodily functions remain unresolved. A recent electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) conducted two weeks ago returned normal results, which aligned with my awareness of the recovery in my larger nerves and muscles during this period. Through my research, I’ve discovered that the trigeminal and cranial nerves play a crucial role in initiating a sneeze, suggesting the presence of a signaling issue. I would greatly appreciate guidance on this matter.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 8:30:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's great that you're seeking clarity on your symptoms and exploring possible remedies. Your experience with the inability to sneeze, especially following exposure to neurotoxic substances, indicates a complex interplay of neurological factors that may require thorough consideration.

Summary of Main Points:

1. Inability to Sneeze: A possible result of neurological changes post-exposure to neurotoxic substances.
2. Role of Nerves: The trigeminal and cranial nerves are involved in triggering sneezing, and issues with their signaling may contribute to your symptoms.
3. Recent Health Improvement: Positive changes in your overall health and nerve function, as indicated by normal EMG and nerve conduction studies.

Explanation:

The act of sneezing is coordinated by the nervous system, particularly the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensations from your face to your brain, and other cranial nerves that control the muscles involved in the sneeze reflex. Considering your history of exposure to neurotoxic substances and the neurological symptoms you've experienced, it's plausible that there may still be residual effects affecting nerve signaling, particularly regarding reflex actions like sneezing.

Although you are witnessing improvements in your overall condition, the specific inability to sneeze can be frustrating. The fact that you're feeling urges to sneeze but unable to complete the action suggests that the reflex pathway may be disrupted rather than completely damaged.

Next Steps:

1. Stay Synced with Symptoms:

   • Keep a daily journal of your sneezing urges and any triggers (like allergens or illnesses).
   • Note down any other symptoms, such as nasal congestion or changes in your response to stimuli.

2. Hydration and Humidity:

   • Ensure you're well-hydrated, as this can help maintain mucosal moisture in the nasal passages.
   • Use a humidifier at home to keep your environment moist, which may facilitate nasal function.

3. Sensory Stimulation:

   • Experiment with gentle nasal stimulus (e.g., sniffing a mild peppermint oil) to see if it helps trigger a sneeze.
   • Explore allergy testing if you suspect current environmental factors might be at play.

4. Consult with a Specialist:

   • If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consider seeking further evaluation by a neurologist or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) who has expertise in neurogenic conditions.
   • Discuss potential treatments or therapies that may assist in neurological recovery or reflex reconditioning.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

   • Engage in relaxation practices, as stress can exacerbate neurological symptoms. Techniques such as yoga or deep-breathing exercises may promote overall nervous system health.

Conclusion:

While it is understandable to feel concerned about your inability to sneeze, taking well-thought-out steps can significantly aid your recovery. Continue to monitor your symptoms, maintain hydration, and possibly explore specialized care if needed. Remember, you are on a path toward improvement, and persistent efforts can yield positive outcomes over time.