The Bezold-Jarisch reflex and anaesthesia

Abstract

Spinal anaesthesia is considered an effective and safe method for providing pain relief during procedures below the waist. However, in a small subset of patients, life-threatening vasovagal reactions may develop leading to severe bradycardia and hypotension or ultimately asystole and complete circulatory collapse. Early recognition and prompt treatment of this condition can be lifesaving as illustrated in this case report where the patient developed asystole for ten seconds shortly after placing the spinal anaesthetic.