Anesthesia is a medical treatment used to control pain during Surgery or other medical procedures. It can be used to numb a specific area, such as during a dental procedure, or it can be used to put a person into a sleep-like state, known as general anesthesia. There are different types of anesthesia, and the type that is best for you will depend on the procedure you are having and your individual medical history.
Dr Brian Blick suggests that you always discuss the risks and benefits of anesthesia with your doctor or anesthesiologist prior to having any type of procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
There are three main types of anesthesia: general, regional, and local.
- General anesthesia is when drugs are used to put the patient into a sleep-like state. This type of anesthesia is usually used for major Surgery. General anesthesia can be given through an IV or by inhaling gases through a mask.
- Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of the body. This can be done by injecting drugs into the spinal cord or near large nerves. Regional anesthesia is often used for childbirth, Surgery on the arms or legs, and some types of cancer surgery.
- Local anesthesia numbs a small area of the body. This is done by injecting drugs into the area where the Surgery will take place. Local anesthesia is often used for minor surgeries and dental procedures.
How long does Anesthesia Last?
The effects of anesthesia can last for a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of anesthesia used. General anesthesia usually wears off within a few hours. Regional and local anesthesia usually lasts for several hours.
Possible Side Effects of Anesthesia
There are some possible side effects of anesthesia. These include:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Drowsiness
– Confusion
– Lightheadedness or dizziness
– Blurred vision
– Slurred speech
– Shaking or trembling
Serious side effects from anesthesia are rare, but they can happen. These include:
– Allergic reactions to the drugs used
– Trouble breathing
– Nerve damage
– Blood clots
– Heart problems
Before having any type of Surgery or procedure, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using anesthesia.
How to check if the anesthesia is working
There are a few ways to check if the anesthesia is working. The first way is to check if the area of the body that is supposed to be numb is actually numb. The second way is to ask the patient to do a simple task, such as counting backward from 10. If the patient cannot do this task, then the anesthesia is working.
What Happens After Anesthesia?
After the effects of anesthesia wear off, the patient will be taken to a recovery room, where they will be closely monitored. The recovery process can take a few hours or more, depending on the type of Surgery or procedure that was done. Once the patient is awake and alert, they will be able to go home.
Conclusion:
Anesthesia is a type of medical therapy that is used to alleviate discomfort during Surgery or other medical operations. It can be used to numb a specific location, such as during dental Surgery, or to put a person to sleep, which is known as general anesthesia. There are different types of anesthesia, and the type that is best for you will depend on the procedure you are having and your individual medical history.
