The role of autonomic nervous system in intractable hiccup: A review

Abstract

Hiccups are reflexes characterized by the onset of sudden diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle contraction immediately followed by laryngeal closure leading to the production of a “hic” sound. Hiccup is experienced a number of times through life, it’s usually self-limiting and resolves on its own. However, when it becomes intractable (lasting more than a month), it poses a serious chronic ailment that causes exhaustion, dehydration, weight loss, poor sleep and eating patterns. Intractable hiccup is a common complication of brain surgery but little is known about its pathophysiology and exact cause, although a number of factors has been implicated with the autonomic system playing a major role in one such involvement. A case of intractable hiccup in Dammam, Saudi Arabia was explored. In this study we reviewed the literature and found the role of the CNS and PNS in the onset of hiccups as well as known treatment methods for intractable hiccups and future prospects.