BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transient neurological findings are seen during emergence from halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia. Little is known about neurological changes during recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia. This study was aimed at comparing the incidence of such findings during recovery from enflurane (Group E), isoflurane (Group I) and sevoflurane (Group S) anesthesia. METHODS: Forty four patients were assigned to receive enflurane, isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia in 50% N2O. Evaluated parameters were: tympanic temperature, consciousness level, muscle tone, pupillary, eyelash, bicipital, patellar and plantar reflexes and shivering, which were recorded before induction, immediately after anesthesia withdrawal and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 minutes thereafter. RESULTS: Pupillary, eyelash, patellar and plantar reflexes were significantly related to the level of consciousness. Groups did not differ regarding the incidence of increased muscle tone, bicipital response, plantar clonus and extension plantar response. Increased patellar response was more frequent in group E than in group I. Shivering was more frequent in groups E and I as compared to group S. No difference in tympanic temperature could be detected among patients with or without shivering. CONCLUSIONS: Transient neurological changes can be detected up to 40 minutes during emergence from enflurane, isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia.
ANESTHETICS, Inhalational; ANESTHETICS, Inhalational; ANESTHETICS, Inhalational; POSTANESTHETIC RECOVERY
