SUCCINYLCHOLINE DOES NOT CHANGE INTRACRANIAL-PRESSURE, CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW VELOCITY, OR THE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROLOGIC INJURY

The effect of succinylcholine (SCh) on intracranial pressure (ICP) was studied in 10 mechanically ventilated patients (Glasgow coma scale sc ore 3-10, median 6) being treated for increased ICP in an intensive ca re unit. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), ICP, processed electroenc ephalogram (EEG), and mean middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (V-mca) were monitored. Baseline measurements after saline injection w ere obtained for 5 min. SCh (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously a nd the above variables were monitored for 15 min. Neither saline nor S Ch cause any significant change in cerebral perfusion pressure, MAP, V -mca, EEG, or ICP. We conclude that in brain-injured patients, SCh did not alter cerebral blood flow velocity, cortical electrical activity, or ICP.