2006-11-02 08:09:42 · 6 answers · asked by I had pop3 before buying yahoo 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Not everyone sneezes harder when they look at a light. However, some people have the Photic Sneeze Reflex. They do sneeze in bright light.
The most prominent theory, from Wikipedia - Photic Sneeze Reflex - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex is
"The probable cause is a congenital malfunction in nerve signals in the trigeminal nerve nucleus. The fifth cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve, is apparently responsible for sneezes. Research suggests that some people have an association between this nerve and the nerve that transmits visual impulses to the brain. Overstimulation of the optic nerve triggers the trigeminal nerve, and this causes the photic sneeze reflex."
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See also OMIM - ACHOO: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendelian_Inheritance_in_Man
2006-11-02 08:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I have this Photic Sneeze Reflex is a thing that I have. But I find the mostly the interesting thing is the opposite situation that under normal circumstances, its actually possible for me to avoid sneezing altogether if I close my eyes when I feel it coming on, usually that results in my nose running anyway. It generally works unless its a surprise sneeze or I'm very sick with allergies or the flu.
My mother doesn't seem to have this condition she cannot stop her sneezes by closing her eyes.
2015-03-25 20:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by ForgeAus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called Photic Sneezing, and it only works for some people and to varying degrees. Science's best guess is that it's caused by a "crossed wire" between the optic nerves and the nerves that trigger sneezes.
There is more info on it here:
http://loin.free.fr/john/photic_sneezing.html
2006-11-02 08:16:48 · answer #3 · answered by faeriefolk_15 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question and answers!
I must be one of those who has crossed wires; if I want to sneeze but can't (so frustrating) all I have to do is look at the sun or an overhead light and AH-CHOO! Works instantly for me.
2006-11-02 08:37:19 · answer #4 · answered by evamariehoople 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never tried that but, you have made me curious. I am going to do this and see if it is true :)
2006-11-02 08:11:06 · answer #5 · answered by day dreamin baby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk but for some reason if you rub the top of your mouth with your tongue and picture a girl cow you wont sneeze! weird huh?
2006-11-02 08:17:58 · answer #6 · answered by campkid4ever 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋