Can Anesthesia Cause Seizures?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Question: I had a seizure under special circumstances, that was induced by the bad pratice of anesthesia. I have been seizure free for over 5 years, will I face any driving restrictions?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. The induced seizure episode after total control of seizure usually does not cause new form of seizures. It is because they arise as a result of metabolic disturbance in body, not because of brain damage activity.

However are you sure that it was because of anaesthesia only!!
It can be confirmed by EEG of your brain. It will rule out epileptic form discharges from brain. If any doubt, get MRI brain done to rule out any lesion in brain.

If both investigations come negative, you can be sure that seizure should not occur. Still wait for one month without taking anti epileptic medication (if you have stopped already) which I usually advise to my patients and observe for any fresh episode. If it occurs, start anti epileptic medication after consulting doctor. Take all precautions as you were taking before.

Hope it will help you. Thanks. If still any doubt, you can ask another question.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee