RLS/PLMD and surgery

Thak you for the opportunity to ask a question.

Is it possible to control RLS/PLMD enough to have surgery?

It is possible I may need carotid surgery and I have RLS/PLMD that is somewhat controlled by Mirapex with an occasional need for Xanax as well (I try not to use that unless absolutely necessary)

But, I still have some movements.  The idea of suddenly jerking during surgery is a very worrisome one.  In the past I have "jerked" even under heavy sedation while intubated.

Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

That's an interesting problem that I've never come across. If you of course need the carotid surgery, then you need it - restless legs or not.  Usually, there should be some kind of paralytic agent on board intra-operatively that should theoretically make your muscles temporarily paralyzed. One thing you can do is talk to your neurologist and at the pre-op appointment with anesthesia to let them know.  You (depending on your kidney/liver function, age, and other medical problems) may need a higher dose of the paralytic agent, or perhaps a different kind that was tried before.  THere are many options for you, and your anesthesiologist should be aware of the problem.  Typically they titrate the amount of paralytic agent needed thru an IV during the operation (which means it can be given very quickly as needed in boluses) and can check the level of paralysis with a special little machine that looks at the muscles under stimulation. Should not be a problem.  Good luck.

[darlin]

If you're planing on having surgery you may want to read this artical first, www.mindyourpsandqs.com  Beat of luck, Darlin