Persistent Hiccup Reflex Activation for Two Days as a Complication of Dental Implant Surgery: A Case Report

Background: Hiccups are the sudden involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Although it is usually a temporary situation, hiccups that do not respond to drugs may be adopted in terms of sleep, intake, or verbal communication. Here, we report a case of a persistent hiccup that has been temporally associated with dental implant insertion and use of dexamethasone.

Case Report: A 77-year-old man was admitted for the 3rd implant attempt in tooth 35. Unlike the other two attempts, in addition to the antibiotic, dexamethasone was added before surgery. The hiccups started after second dose of dexamethasone. Initially, the patient made several attempts to stop the hiccups with various tricks described in the medical literature. Dexamethasone and antibiotics were discontinued and several medications were administered, with the hiccup remaining for two days.

Conclusion: Although hiccups are not life-threatening, it should not be neglected since it can be severely uncomfortable and significantly diminish the quality of the postoperative period, even in dental implants. Dexamethasone is used as an antiemetic, but it can cause persistent hiccups.