Trigeminocardiac Reflex during Maxillary Reconstruction Surgery: A Case Report

Abstract

Systemic hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmia especially bradycardia, apnoea, and gastric hypermotility occurring presumably after stimulation of any of the sensory branches of trigeminal nerve is coined as trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). It has been described to occur in various surgeries like cerebello-pontine angle and pituitary fossa surgeries. Such bradycardic reflex responses have also been observed during maxillofacial surgeries. The TCR presents as a challenge to both the Anaesthesiologist and the Surgeon in view of its varied presentations, diagnosis, prevention and appropriate management.

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