Dexmedetomidine Suppressed Involuntary Movement in a Patient with Cerebral Palsy

Involuntary movements in patients with cerebral palsy can interfere with invasive procedures performed under sedation. We present a case of a 58-year-old man with cerebral palsy, who successfully underwent a cardiac catheterization while sedated with IV dexmedetomidine. The patient's involuntary movements were suppressed, which allowed the cardiologist to perform the procedure on an immobile, cooperative patient, all while maintaining patient comfort, stable hemodynamics, as well as adequate oxygenation and ventilation. This novel use of dexmedetomidine might facilitate monitored anesthesia care in patients otherwise requiring general anesthesia.