BACKGROUND: In the setting of head trauma, progressive bradycardia may raise suspicion for intracranial hypertension, especially when accompanied by pupillary abnormalities or systemic hypertension. METHODS: We describe the case of a patient with concomitant cerebral and ocular trauma who presented with a fixed and dilated pupil and progressive bradycardia due to an oculocardiac reflex. RESULTS: The oculocardiac reflex is an unusual cause of bradycardia due to stimulation of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and has been described in a variety of clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that the oculocardiac reflex might mimic signs of intracranial hypertension in patients with combined facial and cerebral trauma.
BACKGROUND: In the setting of head trauma, progressive bradycardia may raise suspicion for intracranial hypertension, especially when accompanied by pupillary abnormalities or systemic hypertension. METHODS: We describe the case of a patient with concomitant cerebral and ocular trauma who presented with a fixed and dilated pupil and progressive bradycardia due to an oculocardiac reflex. RESULTS: The oculocardiac reflex is an unusual cause of bradycardia due to stimulation of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and has been described in a variety of clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that the oculocardiac reflex might mimic signs of intracranial hypertension in patients with combined facial and cerebral trauma.