DefinitionMalignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person receives general anesthesia.This condition is not the same as hyperthermia that is due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.Alternative NamesHyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignantCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMalignant hyperthermia is inherited. Only one parent has to carry the disease for a child to inherit the condition. It may be associated with muscular diseases such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.SymptomsSymptoms include:Rapid rise in temperature to 105 degrees F or higherMuscle rigidityand stiffnessDark brown urineMuscle ache without obvious exercise to explain sore