Intractable singultus: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Br J Neurosurg. 1993;7(3):255-60. doi: 10.3109/02688699309023807.

Abstract

Hiccup or singultus is a repeated involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm accompanied by a sudden closure of the glottis mediated by sensory branches of the phrenic and vagus nerves as well as dorsal sympathetic afferents. The principle efferent limb and diaphragmatic spasms are mediated by motor fibers of the phrenic nerve. Hiccup has been classified as a respiratory reflex and the central connection probably consists an interaction among the brainstem respiratory centers, phrenic nerve nuclei, medullary reticular formation and the hypothalamus. Chronic intractable hiccup may be due to brainstem seizures, and baclofen may be the long-awaited remedy for intractable hiccup as demonstrated in three illustrative cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / drug effects
  • Afferent Pathways / physiopathology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autonomic Nerve Block
  • Baclofen / therapeutic use
  • Brain Stem / drug effects
  • Brain Stem / physiopathology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diaphragm / innervation*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Hiccup / drug therapy
  • Hiccup / etiology*
  • Hiccup / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phrenic Nerve / drug effects
  • Phrenic Nerve / physiopathology
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / drug effects
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Vagus Nerve / drug effects
  • Vagus Nerve / physiopathology

Substances

  • Baclofen