What can cause someone to have seizures after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I read a story about a 17 yr old in NJ who died the day after rhinoplasty after suffering two seizures. How can that happen in such a young person? I'm hoping to have a rhinoplasty soon so hearing stories like this is very scary even if it's exceedingly rare.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is often performed on younger people who are thought to be healthy.  But some people may have underlying medical problems that have gone un-diagnosed. I am unaware of the case you sited, but the most common disorder that may be missed in teens requesting rhinoplasty is diabetes. We screen our patients with a CBC, and a basic metabolic panel of blood work. If there are any past medical issues, we may request medical clearance before surgery. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello, the risk of seizures and other anesthesia complications are exceedingly rare as you mentioned.  Please address your concerns about anesthesia to your anesthesiologist during your preoperative workup.  Please refer to my previous answer to your question about anesthesia safety.Best,
Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
  
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

I have not heard about this tragic story. However, there must be much more to this story than just the rhinoplasty, which we will never find out due to privacy reasons. If the patient truly only had a rhinoplasty, the complication must be somehow related to the general anesthesia and not to the rhinoplasty itself. What comorbidities and other medical problems did the patient have? What kind of anesthesia was administered? What kind of setting was the surgery performed in? Was a board-certified MD anesthesiologist present? You can see that there are many factors unknown to us. Yes, complications can occur with general anesthesia but those are exceedingly rare especially in an otherwise healthy individual. I like comparing general anesthesia to airplane travel or driving an automobile. Nothing is ever 100% risk-free but the likelihood of a complication is extremely low if everything is done properly. Just like with airplane travel or driving a car. Can we really assure with absolute certainty that we make it safely to our destination? No. Rhinhoplasty and other cosmetic procedures are purely elective and not medically necessary. Just like going on vacation is elective and not necessary. We take controlled risks every day when we turn on the engine of our car yet probably never think about it. Best,Thomas Walker, MD, FACS

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I am not familiar with that tragic case but obviously the are many unknowns about it. The patient almost certainly did not have a seizure. Most problems if this nature have to do with airway problems. I would be interested in whether there was an anesthesiologist present or if the patient was oversedated either during the procedure or after.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
You probably heard about it because of its rarity and made it on the news!
Seizures may be due to electrolyte imbalance, abnormal glucose levels,  brain infection, brain tumor, medication administration, high fever, stroke, hypoxia, malignant hypertension, kidney failure, or epilepsy (to name a few).
It is not a specific complication of rhinoplasty itself. Rhinoplasty is a safe procedure.Best wishes...

What can cause someone to have seizures after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

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