Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
05:58

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: February 3, 2021

Suxamethonium spasm. A differential diagnostic conundrum

F R Ellis, P J Halsall

    British Journal of Anaesthesia
    |April 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Muscle spasm during anesthesia is a key indicator for malignant hyperthermia (MH). Early recognition of this sign is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management of MH risk in patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Anesthesiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Medical Genetics

    Background:

    • Muscle spasm associated with suxamethonium administration is a recognized clinical sign.
    • Patients presenting with this isolated finding have undergone screening for malignant hyperthermia (MH).

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze patient case histories to determine the diagnostic significance of suxamethonium-induced muscle spasm.
    • To evaluate the association between muscle spasm and confirmed malignant hyperthermia.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 277 proband case histories.
    • Grouping patients based on final diagnosis derived from muscle biopsy and in vitro screening.

    Main Results:

    • Suxamethonium-induced muscle spasm is a common occurrence.
    • A significant proportion of patients screened for MH exhibited only muscle spasm.

    Conclusions:

    • Malignant hyperthermia should be strongly considered when muscle spasm is induced by suxamethonium.
    • Isolated muscle spasm warrants further investigation for MH susceptibility.

    More Related Videos

    Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm06:18

    Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm

    Published on: September 17, 2021

    Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SFEMG) for Assessing Neuromuscular Junction Transmission in Rodent Models04:30

    Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SFEMG) for Assessing Neuromuscular Junction Transmission in Rodent Models

    Published on: March 8, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

    Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

    Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
    The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
    Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

    Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

    Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
    Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
    Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action01:28

    Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action

    Depolarizing blockers act on skeletal muscle fibers' membranes and induce their depolarization. Most depolarizing blockers have two quaternary N+ atoms that bind the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cause neuromuscular blockade within minutes.
    Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because succinylcholine...
    Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics01:19

    Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics

    Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

    Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
    Unlike...
    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

    Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

    Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...