A cerebral effect of carotid sinus stimulation. Observation during intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring
S. L. Bridgers, S. S. Spencer, D. D. Spencer and C. T. Sasaki
Surgical manipulation in the region of the carotid sinus resulted in
diffuse electroencephalographic slowing in two patients, despite the
absence of bradycardia or hypotension. Direct observation confirmed the
absence of carotid compression. The effect was abolished by infiltration of
lidocaine hydrochloride into the carotid sinus area. Carotid clamping in
one patient failed to produce similar electroencephalographic changes. We
believe that this is the first observation of an influence of carotid sinus
stimulation on human cerebral activity not attributable to reflex
cardiovascular changes or complicated by the possibility of carotid
compression.