Oculocardiac Reflex as a Result of Intraorbital Trauma

Abstract Background The oculocardiac reflex is a decrease in heart rate caused by ocular compression or traction upon the extraocular musculature. Multiple instances of this phenomenon have been described in anesthesia, trauma, craniofacial, and ophthalmology literature, but there is a sparsity of documentation in the emergency medicine literature. Case Report We describe the observation and management of the oculocardiac reflex in a 26-year-old man with retrobulbar hematoma and intraocular trauma caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Prompt recognition of the oculocardiac reflex is important for the emergency physician given the common occurrence of craniofacial trauma and the potentially devastating consequences if not recognized and addressed.