Propofol induced severe neuroexcitatory symptoms during emergency laparotomy

Propofol is a widely used intravenous agent for general anesthesia and sedation. Propofol is associated with a variety of neuroexcitatory events including: opisthotonus, muscle rigidity, myoclonus, and seizures collectively termed as seizure-like phenomenon (SLP). We report a rare case of propofol induced severe neuroexcitatory symptoms at the time of induction in a young male presenting for emergency laparotomy. He developed generalized tonic- clonic seizures which resulted in dislodgement of intravenous cannula. Immediately a new intravenous cannula was inserted with difficulty during convulsions and injection thiopentone 200 mg bolus was given. Convulsions subsided within a minute. Patient remained hemodynamically stable and surgery was uneventful. He developed emergence agitation which was treated with injection midazolam. Patient recovered with no neurologic sequelae. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(5.000): 645-646]