A case of convulsion induced by propofol

A 71-year-old man was scheduled for laryngomicrosurgery under total intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol. Seven to eight minutes after induction of anesthesia, convulsion was observed first on his lower limbs and then on his all limbs and the head. This clonicotonic convulsion of a few minute duration lasted for 25 minutes. Later neurological examination revealed normal functions. Although the etiology of convulsion by propofol is controversial, the convulsion observed in our patient seems to be related to glycinergic as well as glutamate receptors. When we administer propofol to patients, we should be careful about the occurrence of convulsion.