Generalized Seizure Following Subcutaneous Pethidine For Chronic Pain

摘要

A 53-year old female was admitted with chronic pancreatitis requiring pethidine analgesia. Twenty-four hours following admission a brief generalised seizure occurred with incontinence and post-seizure amnesia. Myoclonic jerking preceded the seizure and was also present post-fit. The patient's pain control was changed to diamorphine, with no subsequent adverse effects. On closer questioning the patient had had two previous seizures on previous admissions and in those instances the causal relationship with pethidine had not be identified. This case-report highlights the need for increased awareness regarding pethidine-induced seizures, particularly in clinicians and pharmacists involved in managing conditions associated with chronic pain.