[Repeated convulsions after abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal].

Benzodiazepines are widely used and well-known for their safety; serious complications may, nevertheless, occur in the particular case of an abrupt withdrawal, which is quite common after general anaesthesia. The case reported emphasizes the seriousness of the syndrome : after vascular surgery the patient presented with repeated epileptic seizures and a short lasting cardiac arrest. The patient used to absorb large quantities of benzodiazepines, without medical prescription. The convulsions stopped after the benzodiazepine had been taken again. The exact mechanism of the withdrawal syndrome remains hypothetical. There are numerous risk factors which increase the probability and seriousness of the withdrawal symptoms. The prevention of withdrawal accidents depends on the physician, and especially the anesthetist, knowing the patient's drug intake. This shows yet again the importance of the preanaesthetic visit.