Anaesthesia

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Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia (pronounced: /ˌænɪsˈθiːziə/), also spelled anesthesia, is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical purposes. It may include analgesia (relief from or prevention of pain), paralysis (muscle relaxation), amnesia (loss of memory), or unconsciousness. A patient under the effects of anaesthetic drugs is referred to as being anesthetized.

Etymology

The term "anaesthesia" is derived from the Greek words "an-" (without) and "aesthesis" (sensation). It was first used by the Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century AD to describe the narcotic effect of the plant mandragora.

Types of Anaesthesia

There are several types of anaesthesia, and a patient may be anesthetized locally or globally:

Related Terms

  • Analgesia: Relief from or prevention of pain.
  • Paralysis: Loss of muscle function in part of your body.
  • Amnesia: Loss of memories, such as facts, information and experiences.
  • Unconsciousness: State of being unaware and unable to respond to any stimuli, including pain.

See Also

External links

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