pancuronium and Muscle-Spasticity

Anesthesiologists are now active in the diagnosis of unusual neurologic and neuromuscular disorders. Their skill derives both from a firm understanding of basic sciences and a facility with invasive procedures. Five representative cases are presented to illustrate the scope of diagnostic neuroanesthesiology and the endeavors of the neuroanesthesiologist outside the operating theater.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anesthesiology; Cerebral Palsy; Consultants; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Spasticity; Myasthenia Gravis; Nervous System Diseases; Neurology; Neuromuscular Diseases; Pancuronium; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Specialization

Conray (meglumine iothalamate), the contrast media frequently used in shuntograms for diagnosing malfunctioning ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, will occasionally cause severe muscular spasms and seizures. In this article, the authors describe anesthetic and critical care management of a case with this complication.

Topics: Anesthesia, Inhalation; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Child; Diazepam; Female; Humans; Hyperventilation; Iothalamate Meglumine; Muscle Spasticity; Pancuronium; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Seizures; Thiopental