Experience of shakuyakukanzoto for postoperative pain and pseudo torticollis after posterior fossa surgery in children

Abstract

Transection of the occipital muscles is necessary during posterior fossa surgery in children. Postoperatively, the patients not only have headaches and wound pain, but also suffer from pain when rotating the neck. Pediatric pseudo torticollis may occur when patients attempt to assume an unnatural posture to tilt the neck in an effort to avoid pain. Shakuyakukanzoto has central and peripheral muscle relaxant effects. Based on its pharmacological activity, shakuyakukanzoto would be expected to relieve postoperative pain and improve cervical movement. In this study, 14 consecutive children that underwent posterior fossa surgery received shakuyakukanzoto and the development of pseudo torticollis and postoperative pain were evaluated. Our results suggest that shakuyakukanzoto may have im­proved pseudo torticollis and relieved postoperative pain after posterior fossa surgery.