J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2019 Oct;19(5):295-300. 10.17245/jdapm.2019.19.5.295.

Treatment of severe pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia: A case report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. stone90@snu.ac.kr

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is rare, characterized by pain from diverse causes, and presents as extreme pain even with minor irritation. General anesthesia may be required for dental treatment because the pain may not be controlled with local anesthesia. However, treatment under general anesthesia is also challenging. A 38-year-old woman with CRPS arrived for outpatient dental treatment under general anesthesia. At the fourth general anesthesia induction, she experienced severe pain resulting from her right toe touching the dental chair. Anesthesia was induced to calm her and continue the treatment. After 55 minutes of general anesthesia, the patient still complained of extreme toe pain. Subsequently, two administrations for intravenous sedation were performed, and discharge was possible in the recovery room approximately 5 h after the pain onset. The pain was not located at the dental treatment site. Although the major factor causing pain relief was unknown, ketamine may have played a role.

Keyword

Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Dental Care; Pain Management

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anesthesia
Anesthesia, General*
Anesthesia, Local
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
Dental Care
Female
Humans
Ketamine
Outpatients
Pain Management
Recovery Room
Toes
Ketamine

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Pillows are placed under the knee and secured to the bed with a restraining band during general anesthesia of a patient with complex regional pain syndrome

  • Fig. 2 Time table and drug usage of anesthesia


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