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Warning-sign checks

Fulminating hyperpyrexia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    During or shortly after general anaesthesia, suspected malignant hyperthermia is an emergency.

    The hospital team should begin treatment immediately for unexplained rising carbon dioxide, muscle rigidity, rapidly increasing temperature, a severely fast heartbeat or other signs of the reaction.

    After leaving hospital, call emergency services for a rapidly rising temperature with severe muscle stiffness, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, seizures or dark urine following recent anaesthesia.

    Do not drive yourself.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment after recent surgery if you develop dark or sharply reduced urine, worsening muscle pain, marked weakness, persistent fever, palpitations or repeated vomiting.

    These symptoms may require prompt blood and urine tests.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange non-urgent follow-up if you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia, need help understanding previous anaesthetic records or want to discuss susceptibility testing before a procedure.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fulminating hyperpyrexia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.