Dystonic movements following thalamonal and alfentanil induction--a case report

A 62 year old woman developed dystonic movements following induction of anesthesia with thalamonal and alfentanil. The patient remained awake during the episode. A small dose of thiopental sodium followed by succinylcholine aborted the unpleasant state. The case is being presented to emphasize the point that even small doses of opioid narcotic can cause tonic movements and frank seizures in some patients.