EPILEPTIC SEIZURE ASSOCIATED WITH INTRACEREBROVENTRICULAR AND INTRATHECAL MORPHINE BOLUS

We report on two patients with morphine-related seizures associated wi th either intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration. Both patients had a history of malignant tumor and both experienced the sei zures following bolus application of morphine, while even higher dosag es were well tolerated when continuously infused. Seizures occurred wi thout signs of intoxication. Initiation of intrathecal morphine therap y and bolus application should be performed carefully and only when co nstant monitoring is provided for at least 12 h. Animal data and possi ble mechanisms for morphine-related seizures are discussed. (C) 1998 I nternational Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.