To present a case of brainstem anaesthesia as a complication of peribulbar anaesthesia.A 75-yr-old woman received peribulbar anaesthesia for cataract surgery. A few seconds after the block performed, she had a respiratory arrest, became unconscious, and developed hypertension and tachycardia followed by hypotension and bradycardia. Ventilatory and haemodynamic support were performed before the patient regained adequate spontaneous breathing, and normal heart rate and blood pressure.Peribulbar anaesthesia generally carries a low risk of serious complications. However, respiratory arrest and brainstem anaesthesia may occur as complications of peribulbar blocks.