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Hiccups in head injury patient
My father is on following treatment for head injury,
Tab Levipil 500mg bd,
Tab phenytoin 150mg TDS,
Tab oxetol 150mg bd,
Tab clonazepam 2.5mg hs
Tab oleanzapine 2.5mg hs
Now he has hiccups since 2days, but today he is having hiccups continuously since 1hr, what to do?
It's received on water or sugar?
Answers (10)
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Continuous hiccups for more than 1 hour in a patient with recent head injury + multiple anti-epileptic and psychiatric medicines is not a minor issue and should be taken seriously.
Hiccups lasting >48 hours (or persistent for hours in elderly/post-head-injury patients) are called intractable/persistent hiccups and can be caused by:
• Central nervous system irritation (from head injury itself or raised intracranial pressure)
• Side effect of medicines (especially phenytoin, oxetol/oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam, and clonazepam — all can trigger or prolong hiccups in some patients)
• Gastric irritation or reflux (common after head injury due to stress, medicines, or reduced mobility)
• Electrolyte imbalance (low sodium/potassium — very common with anti-epileptics)
Home remedies like water or sugar usually work only for simple, short-lived hiccups — they are unlikely to stop persistent hiccups in this setting and may delay proper treatment.
Next Steps
1. Do NOT wait — contact his treating neurologist / neurosurgeon immediately (today, even if after hours — call emergency contact or go to hospital).
• Explain:
• Hiccups continuous for >1 hour today (after 2 days on & off)
• Recent head injury + current anti-epileptic + clonazepam + olanzapine regimen
• Any other new symptoms (worsening headache, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, seizure)
2. Go to emergency / hospital same day if:
• Hiccups continue >2–3 hours without break
• He becomes very distressed, cannot eat/drink, or starts vomiting
• Any neurological change (confusion, drowsiness, unequal pupils, weakness)
3. Likely hospital management (what they usually do):
• Check electrolytes (Na, K, Mg, Ca) — correct if low
• Rule out raised intracranial pressure (repeat CT head if recent injury
Health Tips
• Sip cold water slowly or hold breath for 10–20 seconds and repeat 3–4 times
• Breathe into a paper bag for 1 minute (increases CO₂ — sometimes stops hiccups)
• Swallow 1 teaspoon sugar or bite a lemon — may help brief episodes
• Pull knees to chest or lean forward and press gently on upper abdomen
• Avoid large meals, carbonated drinks, spicy food for now
Important: Do not rely on home remedies alone — persistent hiccups in a post-head-injury patient on multiple CNS drugs must be evaluated urgently to rule out worsening brain condition or serious medicine side effect.
Please take him to the hospital / neurologist as soon as possible today.
Update me after doctor visit or if any new symptom appears — I’ll help explain further.
Take care of him
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Physician consultation needed..
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Hrct brain advisable.
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Brain irritation after head injury,Electrolyte imbalance,Gastric irritation or reflux and Side effects or interactions of medicines(antiepileptics, benzodiazepines) causes these hiccups more frequently. Water or sugar may give short relief, but in this case medical review is necessary. Persistent hiccups after head injury should not be ignored.
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Dr. Shahbaz Khan
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Delhi
Get a consultation with a physician don't take medication with proper consultation with a physician
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Connect
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.