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Types of Anesthesia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is medicine to help decrease pain and make you comfortable during a surgery or procedure. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the type of surgery or procedure you are having. The following are some of the types of anesthesia:

What do I need to know about anesthesia?

When you receive anesthesia, you may also get other medicine to help you feel sleepy and relaxed during your surgery or procedure. If you are awake, you should not feel pain, but you may still feel pressure and pulling. Tell your caregiver if you have pain so he can give you more medicine. Tell your caregiver if you or anyone in your family has ever had any a problem with anesthesia, such as a high fever. Anesthesia may make it difficult to think. Do not make important decisions for 24 hours after you receive anesthesia.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

You may have a severe reaction to anesthesia. The anesthesia may cause nausea after your surgery. It may also cause a high fever, seizure, or heart attack. These conditions may be life-threatening. Some kinds of anesthesia may cause nerve damage. This may lead to long-lasting numbness or pain.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.