Exacerbation or Unmasking of Focal Neurologic Deficits by Sedatives

Background: Transient focal neurologic deficits have been observed in patients emerging from brain tumor or carotid surgery, and a pharmacologic effect of anesthetic agents has been proposed as the cause of such neurologic dysfunction. Therefore, the effect of sedation with midazolam or fentanyl on motor neurologic function was studied prospectively and preoperatively in patients with carotid disease or mass lesions of the brain.

Methods: Fifty-four unpremedicated adult patients with carotid disease or a brain tumor were given small intravenous doses of either 2.8 +/- 1.3 mg midazolam or 170 +/- 60 micrograms fentanyl in the preoperative period. A thorough motor examination was performed at baseline and after sedation by an individual who was unaware of the details of the patient's disease or symptoms. A mental status examination also was performed to control for the effects of inattentiveness or lack of cooperation during the neurologic examination.

Results: Patients were sedated mildly but were fully cooperative. Focal motor deterioration occurred after sedation in 30% of patients, and the incidence was similar in patients in the fentanyl and midazolam groups. Among patients with a focal motor abnormality on baseline examination or a resolved prior motor deficit, 73% had exacerbation or unmasking of these signs by sedation, whereas no patient without a prior history of motor dysfunction had a sedative-induced change. Sedative-induced changes in neurologic function ranged from unilateral mild weakness to complete plegia, but appeared to be transient in nature.

Conclusions: Sedation with midazolam or fentanyl can transiently exacerbate or unmask focal motor deficits in patients with prior motor dysfunction.