Induction of general anesthesia using propofol for cesarean section of a woman with cerebral palsy.

A 45-year-old pregnant woman with cerebral palsy was scheduled for cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation due to the risk of athetotic reaction. Spinal anesthesia appeared difficult to perform due to maintenance position, and because maternal respiratory depression due to athetotic reaction to mechanical stimulation might cause fetal hypoxia. We therefore selected general anesthesia. Propofol and succinylcholine were intravenously (i.v.) administered for induction, and additional propofol was administered i.v. for hemodynamics stabilization. Neonatal Apgar scores were 8 at one minute and 10 at five minutes. No maternal respiratory depression was observed postoperatively, and a healthy baby was successfully delivered.