Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report

Introduction: Propofol is an anesthetic agent commonly used in emergency department (ED) procedural sedation. It is often preferred in orthopedic procedures because of its muscle-relaxing properties. Rarely, however, it can induce agitation and muscle hypertonicity. Case Report: A 58-year-old man pr...

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Main Authors: Amit S Padaki, Prabhdeep Uppal, Michael Perza
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2024-11-01
Series:Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
Online Access:https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6gd8q181
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author Amit S Padaki
Prabhdeep Uppal
Michael Perza
author_facet Amit S Padaki
Prabhdeep Uppal
Michael Perza
author_sort Amit S Padaki
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Propofol is an anesthetic agent commonly used in emergency department (ED) procedural sedation. It is often preferred in orthopedic procedures because of its muscle-relaxing properties. Rarely, however, it can induce agitation and muscle hypertonicity. Case Report: A 58-year-old man presented to the ED with a left ankle fracture-dislocation. Propofol was used to facilitate procedural sedation, but the patient became mildly agitated. Ketamine was used to achieve full induction, after which propofol was used again to facilitate muscle relaxation. Near the end of the procedure, the patient had opisthotonos and masseter spasm requiring bag-valve-mask ventilation and subsequent intubation. This reaction was ultimately attributed to adverse effects of the propofol. Conclusion: While propofol is generally well tolerated, it can potentially cause agitation, hypertonicity, and other side effects such as muscle spasms and seizure-like activity. Acknowledging and preparing for these risks can potentially improve patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-2829d0405f55480db51336f146fb45d42025-08-20T02:57:01ZengeScholarship Publishing, University of CaliforniaClinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine2474-252X2024-11-018436937110.5811/cpcem.21283cpcem-8-369Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case ReportAmit S Padaki0Prabhdeep Uppal1Michael Perza2Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, TexasChristiana Care Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Newark, DelawareChristiana Care Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Newark, DelawareIntroduction: Propofol is an anesthetic agent commonly used in emergency department (ED) procedural sedation. It is often preferred in orthopedic procedures because of its muscle-relaxing properties. Rarely, however, it can induce agitation and muscle hypertonicity. Case Report: A 58-year-old man presented to the ED with a left ankle fracture-dislocation. Propofol was used to facilitate procedural sedation, but the patient became mildly agitated. Ketamine was used to achieve full induction, after which propofol was used again to facilitate muscle relaxation. Near the end of the procedure, the patient had opisthotonos and masseter spasm requiring bag-valve-mask ventilation and subsequent intubation. This reaction was ultimately attributed to adverse effects of the propofol. Conclusion: While propofol is generally well tolerated, it can potentially cause agitation, hypertonicity, and other side effects such as muscle spasms and seizure-like activity. Acknowledging and preparing for these risks can potentially improve patient outcomes.https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6gd8q181
spellingShingle Amit S Padaki
Prabhdeep Uppal
Michael Perza
Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
title Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
title_full Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
title_fullStr Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
title_full_unstemmed Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
title_short Paradoxical Agitation and Masseter Spasm During Propofol Procedural Sedation: A Case Report
title_sort paradoxical agitation and masseter spasm during propofol procedural sedation a case report
url https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6gd8q181
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