Propofol Exposure Precipitating a Functional Movement Disorder: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Drug-induced movement disorders are rare complications of anesthesia.
• Identifying the causative anesthetic agent can be challenging.
• Functional movement disorders present unique diagnostic difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of functional movement disorder precipitated by propofol.
• To highlight the importance of anesthetic agent exclusion in managing such disorders.
• To emphasize the utility of a biopsychosocial approach in patient care.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 32-year-old patient experiencing recurrent movement disorders after anesthesia.
• Systematic exclusion of anesthetic agents, specifically propofol.
• Collaborative management utilizing a biopsychosocial framework across four anesthetic events.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with ataxia, dysarthria, chorea, and tremors following multiple anesthetics.
• Exclusion of propofol and integrated care planning successfully prevented recurrence of the functional movement disorder.
• This case represents the first documented instance of propofol precipitating a functional movement disorder.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative propofol can precipitate functional movement disorders.
• A multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial approach is crucial for managing complex anesthetic-related complications.
• Careful consideration and exclusion of specific anesthetic agents are vital for preventing iatrogenic neurological symptoms.