[Refractory generalized convulsions in a patient undergoing brain tumor resection during propofol anesthesia].

Propofol has been used to treat convulsions, while the drug is known to induce convulsions. We described a case of generalized convulsions during brain tumor resection under propofol anesthesia. A 24-year-old man was scheduled to undergo brain tumor resection. He had no history of epilepsy. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol and fentanyl. During the craniotomy, the patient developed generalized convulsions. Diazepam, thiamylal, and phenytoin were given intravenously and the seizure activity resolved. Generalized convulsions recurred three times during the operation. Postoperative course was uneventful. On the 16 th postoperative day, the patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt under general anesthesia using sevoflurane, nitrous oxide and oxygen. Convulsions were not noted intra- and postoperatively. Because convulsions did not occur during sevoflurane anesthesia and the patient had no history of epilepsy, propofol may have induced a generalized convulsions on the first operation.