Malignant Hyperthermia

A rare disorder characterized by rapid rise of the body temperature, accompanied by rhabdomyolysis and, if untreated, by collapse and death. It occurs in susceptible individuals who receive certain drugs for general anesthesia, gas anesthetics, or succinylcholine. It may be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia

The following features are indicative of Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • dangerously high body temperature
  • severe muscle spasms
  • fast heart rate
  • bleeding
  • dark brown urine
  • muscle ache
  • muscle rigidity
  • stiffness

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Common Causes of Malignant Hyperthermia

The following are the most common causes of Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • family inheritance
  • other inherited muscle diseases, such as multiminicore myopathy, central core disease

Risk Factors for Malignant Hyperthermia

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • one or both parent with such condition
  • family inheritance

Prevention of Malignant Hyperthermia

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Malignant Hyperthermia.

Occurrence of Malignant Hyperthermia

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Malignant Hyperthermia cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Malignant Hyperthermia can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Malignant Hyperthermia can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Malignant Hyperthermia

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • Blood clotting studies: To check prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time
  • Genetic testing: To look for defects in the genes that are linked with the disease
  • Muscle biopsy: To look for characteristic features of disease
  • Urine myoglobin (muscle protein) test: To look for presence of condition

Doctor for Diagnosis of Malignant Hyperthermia

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • Anesthesiologist
  • General Practitioner

Complications of Malignant Hyperthermia if untreated

Yes, Malignant Hyperthermia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Malignant Hyperthermia is left untreated:
  • can be fatal
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • high blood potassium

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Malignant Hyperthermia:
  • Ice packs: To reduce body temperature
  • Cooling blankets: To help reduce body temperature
  • Fans: To help reduce body temperature

Patient Support for Treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia

The following actions may help Malignant Hyperthermia patients:
  • Join online support groups: Helps providing information about the disease

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Malignant Hyperthermia.

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