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Seizures After Anesthesia

Few people look forward to surgery but we accept it as a necessary procedure when we experience illness or injury. There are many types of surgeries, some which are more strenuous or painful than others. Doctors frequently use anesthesia in both human and animal patients to reduce pain and promote calming. While you may consider anesthesia to be necessary and routine, it is not without risks.

  1. Precautions

    • Doctors typically perform diagnostic tests before a surgery which requires anesthetic. In the case of pets, the results give insight to your pet's internal health, including issues which may arise from the use of anesthetic. Doctors may prescribe drugs such as antibiotics to deal with infections.

      During an animal procedure, the veterinarian gives animals intravenous (IV) fluids such as Lactated Ringer's Solution to ensure hydration. These fluids reduce the risks of anesthesia. Additionally, your veterinarian or doctor will continuously monitor the patient to check for reactions and other problems.

    Administering Anesthesia

    • Doctors use injectable anesthesia, such as Propofol, to sedate humans and animals before surgery. According to Logan J. Voss, PhD, James W. Sleigh, MD, John P. M. Barnard, MBChB and Heidi E. Kirsch, MD, seizure-like "activity is commonly induced by [anesthesia such as] enflurane, etomidate, sevoflurane and, to a lesser extent, propofol." Additionally, they write that "seizures most commonly occur during induction or emergence from anesthesia, when the anesthetic drug concentration is relatively low," as opposed to after surgery.

      Veterinarian Mike Richards (DVM), who writes for VetInfo.com, recommends gas anesthesia such as Isoflurane, which is safe enough to use even on small birds. Along with gas anesthetics, your vet will administer oxygen to your pet during the procedure. Your vet will provide oxygen to your pet via breathing (endotracheal) tube. The breathing tube also prevents vomit from inhibiting your pet's breathing.

    After Surgery

    • After surgery, humans and animals may be lethargic or disoriented. A patient may have trouble walking and may experience a decrease in appetite; however, his appetite should return within one day, as reported by Long Beach Animal Hospital. Your pet may also vomit after a medical procedure. Ensure your pet has privacy and minimize distractions such as children and other pets.

    Pet Seizures

    • Pets with a history of seizure are more likely to experience one after anesthesia. It is also more likely for your pet to experience seizure during surgery than after. According to PetPlace Veterinarians, pet owners can recognize a seizure by barking or meowing, a pet falling on its side, urinating, defecating and, of course, bodily twitching. There is nothing you can do to stop a seizure. Keep calm and time the seizure. You can move objects, people and other animals out of the way. If your pet seizes for more than 5 minutes or has seized twice in a 24-hour period, contact your veterinarian immediately.

    Human Seizures

    • Logan J. Voss, PhD, James W. Sleigh, MD, John P. M. Barnard, MBChB and Heidi E. Kirsch, MD explain in their article, "The Howling Cortex: Seizures and General Anesthetic Drugs," that "[t]he mechanisms of general anesthetic-induced seizures are poorly understood" in humans. Movements like seizures "are common during induction of anesthesia, but they may not be indicative of true seizures." If you or another person experiences a seizure after surgery, contact your doctor.

    Recovery

    • PetPlace.com advises pet owners to be "prepared for vocalization and stumbling after the seizure ends. [Your pet] will be confused and may feel as though he did something wrong. Speak softly and with a soothing voice." This advice is suitable for humans as well. You should contact your doctor's office if your pet does not recover within 30 minutes.

      Your doctor may perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests after a seizure. If your doctor determines an underlying cause or tests reveal damage, she may suggest treatment options such as surgery or medication. Follow your doctor or veterinarian's instructions for after-seizure care.

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