Loss of Corneal Reflex in Children Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Series. Issue 1 (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holman, Ashlee E.; Puglia, Michael P.
• Is Part Of: A & A practice. Volume 14:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Analgesia -- Periodicals; Analgesia -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2575-3126

Abstract

Abstract : Spinal anesthesia is administered for select procedures in the pediatric population and offers a safe alternative to general anesthesia. In this case series, we report loss of corneal and eyelash reflexes in 4 children who underwent spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal procedures. While initially thought to be the result of higher-than-intended spinal anesthesia, the observation that gentle stimulation produced vigorous phonation, orbicularis oculi constriction, and upper extremity movement suggests an alternative mechanism. This finding highlights a potential gap in knowledge related to the effect spinal anesthesia has on brain dynamics in children. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.