Dentocardiac Reflex: an Allegedly New Subform of the Trigeminocardiac Reflex

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is currently defined as a sudden bradycardia and decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by 20% during the manipulation of the branches of trigeminal nerve. TCR, especially during the last decade has been mostly studied in the course of neurosurgical procedures which are supposed to elicit the central subtype of TCR. Previously the well-known oculocardiac reflex was also considered as a subtype of TCR. Recently, surgeons dealing with the other branches of the fifth cranial nerve have become more interested in this reflex. Some noteworthy points have been published discussing new aspects of the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) in simple oral surgical procedures. Arakeri et al. have reviewed the similarities and differences between TCR, vasovagal response (VVR), and syncope. They have also explained a new possible pathway for the reflex during the simple extraction of upper first molars. The present paper aims to briefly discuss these recently presented points. Although the discussed concepts are noteworthy and consistent our preliminary results of our yet to be published studies, it seemed timely for us to discuss some possible shortcomings that may affect the results of such assessments.