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Oculocardiac Reflex in a Pediatric Trauma Patient
Angelica W DesPain1, Jennifer Chapman2, Haroon Shaukat2
1From the Pediatric Residency Program.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 1, 2018
Summary
A child experienced bradycardia after a car accident due to the oculocardiac reflex, triggered by an orbital fracture. This reflex, though rare in trauma, may require surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Trauma
Background:
- Facial trauma can lead to various complications.
- The oculocardiac reflex is a known physiological response.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with facial trauma and bradycardia post-motor vehicle accident.
- He was diagnosed with an orbital floor fracture and inferior rectus muscle entrapment.
Findings:
- The patient's bradycardia was secondary to the oculocardiac reflex.
- This reflex, caused by pressure on the eye, slowed his heart rate.
Implications:
- The oculocardiac reflex is an uncommon but significant cause of bradycardia in trauma patients.
- Recognition of this reflex is crucial as it may necessitate surgical intervention for orbital fractures.
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