Is there a relationship between masseteric muscle spasm and malignant hyperpyrexia?

The occurrence of masseteric muscle spasm (MMS) in children is thought to be frequent and to be associated usually with malignant hyperpyrexia (MH). We have found a lower incidence of MMS in children and 50% had no muscle abnormality. Clinical features that support a diagnosis of MH include high serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration and the presence of myoglobinuria. There is evidence to suggest that suxamethonium does increase jaw tone in adults and children, and an exaggerated response may be taken clinically to be MMS. However, MMS should still be regarded as an early warning sign of MH.