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Seizures after intravenous tramadol given as premedication
Lalit Kumar Raiger1, Udita Naithani, Sonali Bhatia
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, RNT Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Tramadol, an analgesic, may trigger seizures in epilepsy patients, even at recommended doses. This case highlights the risk of tramadol-induced seizures in patients with a history of epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- Tramadol is a widely used opioid analgesic with known potential to lower the seizure threshold.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of generalized tonic-clonic seizure induced by tramadol in a patient with a history of epilepsy.
- To highlight the potential risk of tramadol in patients with pre-existing seizure disorders.
Main Methods:
- A 35-year-old female with epilepsy received tramadol as premedication for elective breast surgery.
- The patient experienced a seizure shortly after tramadol administration.
- The seizure was successfully managed with thiopentone.
Main Results:
- The patient developed an acute generalized tonic-clonic seizure within 5 minutes of receiving intravenous tramadol (100 mg).
- The seizure was promptly treated with intravenous thiopentone (75 mg).
- The subsequent surgical procedure and recovery were uneventful.
Conclusions:
- Tramadol can provoke seizures in patients with epilepsy, even when administered within recommended dosage ranges.
- Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing tramadol to patients with a history of epilepsy.
- This case underscores the importance of considering a patient's neurological history when administering potentially epileptogenic medications.
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