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Trigeminocardiac reflex. A clinical phenomenon or a new physiological entity?
1Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
Journal of Neurology
|August 18, 2004
Summary
The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) involves brainstem reflexes that can protect the brain by increasing blood flow. This physiological reflex may prevent brain injury and is not considered a pathological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) is a brainstem reflex involving the trigeminal nerve and cardiovascular responses.
- It is characterized by parasympathetic dysrhythmia, sympathetic hypotension, apnea, or gastric hypermotility upon trigeminal nerve stimulation.
- Clinical occurrences are noted during specific surgical procedures like craniofacial surgery and tumor resections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiological function of the trigemino-cardiac reflex beyond its clinical observations.
- To investigate the potential neuroprotective role of TCR in cerebrovascular regulation.
- To understand TCR as a physiological, rather than pathophysiological, entity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical reports on TCR occurrences.
- Analysis of experimental findings related to TCR mechanisms.
- Comparison of TCR physiological mechanisms with those of the diving reflex and ischemic tolerance.
Main Results:
- TCR is suggested to be a central neurogenic reflex promoting cerebrovascular vasodilation.
- It involves oxygen-sensitive neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata.
- TCR initiates systemic and cerebral circulatory adjustments to enhance brain blood flow.
Conclusions:
- The trigemino-cardiac reflex may serve as an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism.
- Its role in regulating cerebral circulation suggests potential in preventing brain injury states.
- TCR is proposed to be a physiological response, not a pathological one.