Is sneezing safe
 

Ive had concussions and recently had one a couple weeks ago when I slipped on ice. I also have a nasty cold so I've been sneezing non stop. I try not to move my head too much by keeping my neck sturdy so my head only goes a few inches but still its impossible to completely stop my head from jolting. Often when I sneeze it increases my symptoms and causes me some pain and discomfort in my head and makes me feel a bit sick. I also probably have a bit of a neck injury. Tylenol gives me a lot of relief from the head pain or pressure.

Are these sneezes safe or are they bad for my brain by causing new concussions or sub concussons? I have bad health anxiety if you can't tell.

louwill,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Sneezing does not cause a concussion or subconcussive impact. It can aggravate symptoms that may be due to a subtle neck injury or cause vestibular symptoms (dizziness). Waiting a moment after a sneeze for the inner ear to settle down may be necessary.

Many of us have to stop our head movement so the inner ear vestibular system can settle down. It is annoying but not a sign of new damage.

I play ping pong. I have to stop every time I have to reach to the floor to pick up the ball. Not a big deal.

Thanks mark that's very reassuring. Unfortunately I had an MRI done today and it seemed to have greatly increased my symptoms. Would this be due to the sounds or vibrations or something like that?

I'm voting with Mark on this one.

Bud