Paroxysmal Sneezing

Although sneezing is a particularly common symptom, there are surprisingly few references to this subject in the medical literature. Many of these references are shrouded in superstition and unscientific theory. Preparation of this report was stimulated by an interesting example of severe uncontrollable non-allergic paroxysmal sneezing which was carefully investigated with regard to both physical and psychological factors. A further example of paroxysms of sneezing occurring in a patient with temporal lobe seizures is also discussed with particular reference to the control of the sneezing episodes in association with anticonvulsant medication and control of the epileptic attacks. In addition, the neurophysiological mechanisms of sneezing are reviewed and the specific neurological references to the subject are discussed in relation to physiological and clinical data. At times the symptom of sneezing would appear to reflect some unknown disorder which may have central and possibly cortical affiliations.     

Sneezing on exposure to bright light as an inherited response

Sneezing in response to bright light has been found in 25% of a sample of the British population, and pedigrees are compatible with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The mechanism of the response is discussed.