Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

[Occurrence of epileptiform crisis in child under sevoflurane anaesthesia]

F Boutin1, A Bonnet, A M Cros

  • 1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation-IV, hôpital Pellegrin-Enfants, 33076 Bordeaux cedex, France. frederique.boutin@chu-bordeaux.fr

Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|May 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a child with undiagnosed epilepsy experiencing seizures during sevoflurane anesthesia. Postoperative EEG confirmed epilepsy, highlighting a potential anesthetic complication.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epilepsy

Background:

  • Anesthesia, particularly sevoflurane, is commonly used in pediatric procedures.
  • Epilepsy diagnosis in children can be challenging, sometimes requiring advanced neurophysiological testing.

Observation:

  • A child with previously unknown epilepsy developed convulsive movements during a 45-minute inhalation of 3.9% sevoflurane.
  • The anesthetic event was accompanied by moderate hyperventilation.

Findings:

  • Postoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed previously undiagnosed epilepsy.
  • Sevoflurane anesthesia may precipitate or unmask epileptic activity in susceptible individuals.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering epilepsy in children presenting with unexplained seizures during anesthesia.
  • Neurophysiological monitoring like EEG is crucial for diagnosing epilepsy, especially in pediatric patients with unclear neurological symptoms.
  • Further research may explore the specific mechanisms by which sevoflurane can trigger seizures in epileptic children.

More Related Videos

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
General Anesthesia: Overview01:24

General Anesthesia: Overview

Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...