Malignant hyperthermia is a syndrome of genetic origin, where susceptible individuals, when exposed to certain anesthetics (especially inhalers) develop a hypermetabolic condition characterized by increased muscle temperature faster than core temperature. Failure to treat the symptoms immediately can result in death. It was first described in Australia in the year 1960 by Denborough and Lowell, later other cases were described in Wisconsin and Toronto.
Malignant hyperthermia occurs in most cases due to mutation of a calcium channel of skeletal muscles. This mutation may result in exacerbated calcium release in the muscle when some anesthetics are present. This can result in the destruction of skeletal muscle fiber. As there is a high energy consumption, increased CO2 production and rapid increase in body temperature, with biochemical and hematological consequences, there may also be the evolution to irreversible shock and cardiovascular collapse.
A rare condition in which muscle temperature increases faster than core temperature and has symptoms similar to heatstroke is known as Malignant hyperthermia. This is a disease that may cause your body tempurature to rise and cause muscle movements/contractions. This should be treated right away with surgery and later the drug, dantrolene.
