Refractory dystonia during propofol anaesthesia in a patient with torticollis-dystonia disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of refractory dystonia under propofol anaesthesia in a patient with Torticollis-Dystonia disorder.


METHODS
A 38-yr-old man presented for an MRI scan for investigation of a Torticollis-Dystonia disorder. There was a biphasic response to propofol with complete amelioration of the torticollis and limb dystonia initially with subsequent recurrence under deep propofol anaesthesia. Coadministration of midazolam, diazepam, and thiopentone were not successful in abolishing the recurrent dystonia.


CONCLUSIONS
Propofol should preferably be avoided in patients with torticollis and dystonias. Where complete control of movements is required, it may be necessary to consider general endotracheal anaesthesia with muscle relaxants.
Department of Anaesthesia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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Zabani
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Vaghadia
D000328:Adult; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015742:Propofol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014103:Torticollis / Q000150:complications*
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol