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

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.