What it means
In mental health care, MH is short for mental health (an "MH unit" or "MH history"). In surgery and anesthesia it means malignant hyperthermia, an inherited reaction to some anesthetic gases and succinylcholine in which the muscles go rigid and the temperature rises fast. The two meanings are very different, so read the abbreviation in its context.
For the nurse
In the operating room or after anesthesia, "MH" calls for the MH cart and dantroleneDAN-troh-leenA muscle relaxant that acts inside muscle cells, given by IV for malignant hyperthermia or by mouth for spasticity.Full entry . If the meaning is not clear in a note or order, ask.
Related terms
anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.
hyperthermia
A body temperature that is higher than normal because the body takes in or makes more heat than it can lose.
dantrolene
A muscle relaxant that acts inside muscle cells, given by IV for malignant hyperthermia or by mouth for spasticity.