[Intra - and postoperative tremors: prevention and pharmacological treatment]

Abstract

Background and objectives: Tremors can be an adverse effect of the surgical intervention and anesthesia. The incidence of postoperative tremors varies from 6.3% to 66%. Young age, male gender, the use of halogenated anesthetics, and prolonged anesthesia or surgical procedure are related with tremors. Tremors are involuntary and present as oscillating muscular activity aiming at increasing heat production. Postoperative tremors are a disagreeable complication related with increased morbidity. Tremors increase the metabolism, resulting in a 200% to 500% increase in oxygen consumption.

Contents: The objective of this paper was to discuss the causes, prevention, and treatment of intra- and postoperative tremors in adults and children undergoing general anesthesia or neuroaxis anesthesia for surgical interventions.

Conclusions: Tremors, along with nausea and vomiting, cause severe discomfort in the recovery room, besides being highly prejudicial because they generate an increase in the metabolism. Although the presence of tremors has not been directly related with cardiac morbidity, its prevention has become the subject of discussion and several scientific reports. Prevention and treatment of tremors should be implemented. Patients with limited cardiovascular reserve could develop lactic acidosis, mixed venous desaturation, and hypoxemia.