# Anaesthesia for Paramyotonia Congenita: A Narrative Review

## TL;DR

This review summarizes how to safely manage anesthesia for patients with the rare muscle disorder Paramyotonia Congenita.

## Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review consolidating anaesthetic strategies for managing Paramyotonia Congenita.

## Key findings

- Anaesthetic techniques for PMC patients emphasize avoiding muscle stiffness triggers and careful temperature control.
- Safe anaesthesia for PMC is achievable with proper planning and intraoperative vigilance.
- There is no consensus on the optimal anaesthetic approach, but several recurring management principles are identified.

## Abstract

Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a rare, non-progressive neuromuscular disorder characterised by muscle stiffness and delayed relaxation following voluntary contraction or mechanical stimulation. Its rarity means many anaesthetists may encounter it only once, if ever, in their careers. This narrative review synthesises existing literature on anaesthetic management in these patients. We aim to provide anaesthetists with a clearer understanding of PMC, with particular focus on perioperative considerations, choice of anaesthetic agents, and reported outcomes. While anaesthetic techniques vary, several recurring management principles emerge, including avoidance of triggers for muscle stiffness, careful temperature control, and readiness to manage potential complications. Although there is no consensus on the optimal anaesthetic approach to PMC, current literature suggests that, with appropriate planning and intraoperative vigilance, safe anaesthesia is achievable.