Outline of anesthesia

Outline of Anesthesia

Anesthesia (pronounced: an-uh-sthee-zhuh) 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 anesthetic drugs is referred to as being anesthetized.

Etymology

The term "anesthesia" is derived from the Greek words "an-", meaning "without", and "-aesthesia", meaning "sensation".

Types of Anesthesia

There are several types of anesthesia, and a patient may be anesthetized in specific areas, or generally throughout the body.

General anesthesia - This type of anesthesia is used to make sure you are completely unconscious during surgery. It affects your whole body and causes a deep sleep. You don't feel pain during the procedure, and you won't remember it afterward.

Regional anesthesia - This type of anesthesia only affects a large area of your body, such as your legs or the lower half of your body. This is usually done by injecting anesthetic drugs near a cluster of nerves.

Local anesthesia - This type of anesthesia only numbs a small, specific area of the body where a minor procedure is to be performed.

Related Terms

Analgesia - The inability to feel pain while still being conscious.

Sedation - The reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative substances or medications.

Paralysis - The loss of muscle function in part of your body.

Amnesia - The loss of memories, such as facts, information and experiences.

Anesthesiologist - A doctor who specializes in giving and managing anesthetics.

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Outline of anesthesia