Re: Dystonia and General Anesthesia

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on December 16, 1998 at 03:40:08:

In Reply to: Dystonia and General Anesthesia posted by Erin on December 15, 1998 at 20:40:50:






Can generalized dystonia be caused by general anesthesia during routine
surgery? Some dystonias are drug-induced, but has this particular cause
ever been documented?  
Thanks so much!



=
Thanks for your question.  Two mild intravenous anesthetics - Propofol and
Fentanyl, frequently used during the induction phase of the general
anesthesia, are know to cause dystonia in some patients.  Another medication,
Compazine (an anti-emetic), can also cause dystonic type reactions.  These
side-effects can be relatively easily counter-acted with Benadryl.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.