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.