Aschner Phenomenon
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Aschner phenomenon is a slowing of the pulse caused by pressure on the eyeball, serving as an indicator of heightened vagus nerve excitability. This symptom is characteristic of vagotonia and can occasionally lead to transient cardiac arrest during diastole or various rhythm irregularities.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ASCHNER PHENOMENON (Aschner), slowing of the pulse upon pressing on the eyeball. The Aschner phenomenon is a sign of increased excitability of the vagus nerve. In many cases, the slowing of the pulse continues after the cessation of pressure for 4-5 heartbeats, and sometimes even a cessation of cardiac activity is observed for 5-6 seconds, whereby the electrocardiogram shows that the arrest occurs in diastole; in some cases, extrasystoles and other cardiac rhythm irregularities are noted. This symptom is characteristic of vagotonia.
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“Aschner Phenomenon.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/aschner-phenomenon/