Definition

Noun: A rare, life-threatening, inherited condition triggered by certain anesthetic gases (like halothane) or a specific muscle relaxant. The reaction causes a rapid, dangerous rise in body temperature (hyperthermia) and severe muscle rigidity, leading to complications such as acidosis and organ failure if not treated immediately.

Usage

This term is used exclusively in medical contexts to describe this specific pharmacogenetic disorder. - The surgical team was prepared to manage a case of malignant hyperthermia. - Patients with a family history of malignant hyperthermia must inform their anesthesiologist before any surgery.

Advanced Usage

• "Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS)": Refers to the genetic predisposition to the condition, which can be tested for.
  • Genetic testing confirmed his malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.
• The condition is often abbreviated as MH in clinical notes and alerts.
  • The patient's chart was clearly marked with an MH alert.

Variants and Related Words

• Hyperthermia (n): The general medical term for an abnormally high body temperature, which can have many causes. Malignant hyperthermia is a specific type.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (n): A different condition with similar symptoms (fever, muscle rigidity) triggered by certain psychiatric medications, not anesthetics.

Synonyms

• MH (Common medical abbreviation)
• Anesthetic-induced hyperthermia (Descriptive synonym, less common)

Related Phrases

• MH-triggering agent: A substance, such as volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine, known to induce an episode.
  • The anesthesiologist avoided all MH-triggering agents.
• MH crisis: Refers to the acute, life-threatening episode itself.
  • The protocol for treating an MH crisis includes administering dantrolene.

Noun

1. hereditary condition in which certain anesthetics (e.g., halothane) cause high body temperatures and muscle rigidity