[The effect of propofol as an anticonvulsant]

We observed that propofol was very effective for the refractory general convulsion after surgical operation of cerebral aneurysmal clipping in two patients. The first patient had suffered from asthma. Standard regimens except for thiopental were ineffective for the refractory general convulsion after the operation. So, we administered propofol to the patient, at the dosage of 1 mg.kg-1 intravenously and then, 1 mg.kg-1.hr-1 continuously i.v. Propofol suppressed the general convulsions completely. On the EEG, there were no convulsive spikes. Furthermore, patient's consciousness became clearer during the administration of propofol. The convulsion in the second patient not suffering from asthma, was intractable, too and diazepam, phenytoin, and phenobalbital were not effective. Then, we tried propofol in the same way, and good effect was obtained. Propofol may be an effective medicine for the refractory general convulsion.