Asystole during microvascular decompression in case of trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

Lee, Su Yeon; Chun, Duk Hee; Lee, Taekyu; Kim, Min young; Park, Soo yeun

Case Report

Neuroanesthesia

Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2014;9(1):58-60.
Published online January 30, 2014.

Asystole during microvascular decompression in case of trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

Su Yeon Lee, Duk Hee Chun, Taekyu Lee, Min young Kim, Soo yeun Park

¹Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea. leah1013@chamc.co.kr
²Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea.

Received: 6 November 2012 • Revised: 26 November 2012

Abstract

Manipulation of the sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve is known to cause autonomic changes, such as bradycardia or asystole, known as the trigemino-cardiac reflex. In this case, the patient underwent microvascular decompression due to trigeminal neuralgia and developed sudden bradycardia, followed by abrupt asystole with a concurrent fall in the systolic blood pressure. There was spontaneous return of cardiac rhythm and blood pressure, but two more episodes of sinus bradycardia occurred during the surgery.

Key Words: Microvascular decompression, Trigeminal neuralgia, Trigemino-cardiac reflex