Trigeminocardiac Reflex: Potential Risk Factor for Syncope in Exodontia?

Abstract

We read with interest the article by Lübbers et al 1 Lübbers H.T. Zweifel D. Grätz K.W. et al. Classification of potential risk factors for trigeminocardiac reflex in craniomaxillofacial surgery. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010; 68: 1317 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (59) Google Scholar entitled “Classification of Potential Risk Factors for Trigeminocardiac Reflex in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery.” Having read the article carefully, we would like to address a new finding about “trigeminocardiac reflex” (TCR) and one more risk factor, which is revealed by our recent work. This may be interesting information to the readers and a novel additional factor for the article. In replyJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryVol. 68Issue 11PreviewWe agree with Arakeri that one should be familiar with the different forms of syncope and that trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) occurring with the patient under local anesthesia might mimic vasovagal syncope.1,2 We also agree that, in principle, extraction of a tooth is a possible trigger for TCR, especially if local anesthesia is not complete. This was not mentioned in our article3 because literature research at that time did not show any results for TCR triggered by exodontia. Full-Text PDF