title: Succinylcholine does not change intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow velocity, or the electroencephalogram in patients with neurologic injury.
abstract: The effect of succinylcholine (SCh) on intracranial pressure (ICP) was studied in 10 mechanically ventilated patients (Glasgow coma scale score 3-10, median 6) being treated for increased ICP in an intensive care unit. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), ICP, processed electroencephalogram (EEG), and mean middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (V mca) were monitored. Baseline measurements after saline injection were obtained for 5 min. SCh (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously and the above variables were monitored for 15 min. Neither saline nor SCh cause any significant change in cerebral perfusion pressure, MAP, V mca, EEG, or ICP. We conclude that in brain-injured patients, SCh did not alter cerebral blood flow velocity, cortical electrical activity, or ICP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Kovarik
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Mayberg
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Mathisen
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Winn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D013390:Succinylcholine