You should report any anesthesia problems in your family, especially reactions during surgery or unexplained deaths during or after surgery. The sources say to tell your care team if anyone in the family had an anesthetic reaction, had a mysterious death during or after surgery, or had problems breaking down certain drugs. They also say that even if you or a relative had past anesthetics without trouble, that does not prove you are safe.

Useful details to share include:

• Who had the problem and how they are related to you
• What happened during anesthesia, if you know
• Whether the person was told they might be at risk for malignant hyperthermia, or another anesthesia-related problem
• Any family history of unexplained death under anesthesia

The sources also say to let your own doctors know about the family history, and to tell other family members if a risk is found. If you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia, close relatives may also be at risk. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.