Enflurane-induced grand mal seizures during otic microsurgery.

Abnormal electroencephalographic seizure-like activity and myoclonic movements have been recognized during enflurane anesthesia. This is most commonly seen in the presence of respiratory alkalosis and high concentrations of enflurane. Immediate and delayed postoperative generalized tonic-clonic convulsions have also been reported after enflurane anesthesia. Experimental studies have shown that auditory stimuli could facilitate seizure activity during deep enflurane anesthesia. Here we report a case of intraoperative generalized tonic-clonic convulsion during low concentrations of enflurane without evidence of hyperventilation and the presence of auditory stimulation.