Hi. I was partaking in a clinical experience recently and observed an operation on a child. Approximately five minutes after the doctor administered the anesthesia, the child began having seizures on the operating table. The seizures did not last long. I also noticed that the heart rate jump from around 82 beats a minute when he was awake and first brought in, to around 160 beats a minute once anesthesia began. The HR stayed elevated until about 30 minutes into the operation then finally leveled out at around 90 beats a minute. I asked the anesthesiologist about this and he told he it's normal for the HR to go up, but not normal for someone to have seizures once anesthesia begins. I know this is not a medical forum, perse, but does anyone know what could cause a seizure like this? The child was healthy with no known history of seizures and was having a routine operation done. Thank you! :typing
davb 25 Posts Specializes in None yet - looking for a job. Mar 12, 2008 look up the type of drugs the anesthesiologist was using. many of them can cause an excited (muscular excitement) state when a younger patient is first induced. It is more common in younger patients from what I remember when looking up several medications for a case study. Sometimes they will have a similar reaction when waking up in the PACU after the surgery (sometimes taking out IVs inadvertently). A good drug reference should give you some information on this subject.
micco 111 Posts Specializes in OR. Mar 12, 2008 did the anesthesiologist say "seizures"? what you saw may be muscle twitching related to a paralytic agent given as part of anesthesia. During certain types of procedures, it is very common for the pt to be given a paralytic agent.
TiredMD 501 Posts Mar 13, 2008 As the limbic system disassociates from motor control, the patient will often exhibit jerking motions and involuntary movements. Or so the gas-passers tell me.My guess is that it wasn't a seizure.
allnurses Guide Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN 11,302 Posts Mar 13, 2008 That is my understanding (or guess) as well.This might be better served in the CRNA forum. Mods? steph
Epona 784 Posts Mar 13, 2008 Yes. That is what the doctor said. Seizures. I do know the meds he used and I will look them up. Thanks everyone!! :)
leslie :-D 11,191 Posts Mar 13, 2008 "Seizures may occur in close relation to surgical procedures or use of anesthetic agents in several situations."http://www.professionals.epilepsy.com/page/drugs_surgery.htmlleslie
allnurses Guide wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA 5,111 Posts Specializes in Anesthesia. Mar 13, 2008 Yes. That is what the doctor said. Seizures. I do know the meds he used and I will look them up. Thanks everyone!! :)If you don't mind sharing, What meds did the MDA use, and do you know if the child had a history of seizures?
