Propofol induced neuroexcitation: an underrecognised complication

Neuroexcitatory symptoms are rare after general anaesthesia. A 39-year-old woman underwent an elective laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery under general anaesthesia and developed myoclonus, muscle hypertonia and hyperreflexia while in the recovery room. Patient required intravenous and oral benzodiazepine to control her symptoms. Serum biochemistry was unremarkable except for high creatine phosphokinase. Neuroimaging, electroencephalogram, and CSF studies were unremarkable. Eventually her symptoms subsided fully. Clinicians should consider the pharmacological adverse effects of all administered agents during general anaesthesia when treating patients with post anaesthetic neuroexcitatory symptoms.