Repetitive generalized seizure-like activity during emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia.
OBJECTIVE
Sevoflurane-induced seizures are most often described during mask induction of anesthesia when high concentrations of the volatile agent are administered concomitant with alveolar hyperventilation. The occurrence of seizure-like activity during emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia has been rarely reported.


METHODS
We describe a patient who developed several episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizure-like activity during and immediately after emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia and discuss the potential factors that contributed to this unusual complication. The patient was treated with intravenous propofol, midazolam, and phenytoin and required intensive care management before his neurologic status stabilized.


CONCLUSIONS
The report emphasizes that sevoflurane is capable of producing excitatory central nervous system (CNS) phenomena in spite of causing primarily CNS depressant effects.
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Anesthesia Service, 5000 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53295, USA.
Arvind
A
Mohanram
Vikram
V
Kumar
Zafar
Z
Iqbal
Sandeep
S
Markan
Paul S
PS
Pagel
D000328:Adult; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008874:Midazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D000077149:Sevoflurane
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D008874:Midazolam; D015742:Propofol