Surdity in the OR: An Unusual Case of Brainstem Anesthesia

Abstract

Brainstem anesthesia is a potentially life-threatening complication of regional ophthalmic anesthesia. This case report chronicles an unusual presentation of brainstem anesthesia following an eye block. The unique features of this case were the presenting symptoms of deafness and slurred speech in the absence of loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, or contralateral ophthalmoplegia. This report underscores two key points: first, the importance of ongoing patient monitoring after performance of an eye block; second, the exigency of supportive therapy in suspected cases of brainstem anesthesia.

Brainstem anesthesia: A rare complication after peribulbar anesthesia

“…The common presenting features are usually loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, hypotension along with contralateral ophthalmoplegia, and amaurosis. Other manifestations such as aphasia, vertigo, hearing loss, slurred speech [16], dysarthria with paralysis of contralateral sixth nerve [17], paralysis of the third cranial nerve of the contralateral side [10], and localized convulsions of the ipsilateral face followed by hemiparesis [18] have also been reported in the literature.…”

Vestibular Symptoms Following a Retrobulbar Block: A Case Report

“…intensity are directly dependent on the concentration and dose of the anesthetic used. 13 Auditory symptoms after retrobulbar blocks have been reported before 14,15 but their association with vertigo and postural changes is rare. Our patient displayed symptoms related to the vestibulocochlear nerve.…”

Anestesia del tronco encefálico posterior a bloqueo retrobulbar en cirugía oftalmológica. Reporte de caso

“…El paciente sólo tenía apertura ocular e indicó, mediante señas, que no podía escuchar. Nunca perdió el estado de consciencia (13) .…”