Sneeze-induced visual and ocular motor dysfunction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to describe two neuroophthalmic complications that are related by their temporal association with a sneeze. DESIGN: We describe observational case reports of two patients. METHODS: Both patients were examined, and their conditions were diagnosed and treated according to standard indications for each neuroophthalmic condition. RESULTS: The first case describes a patient who had previously undergone intracranial surgery, including removal of the clivus and later developed a trochlear nerve paresis after a sneeze. The second case describes a patient who repeatedly demonstrates transient decreased perfusion to his right central retinal artery and an associated afferent papillary defect after sneezing. CONCLUSION: The mechanical and hemodynamic forces involved in sneezing are formidable and may cause permanent cranial neuropathy or temporarily alter ocular blood flow in certain patients.