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Effects of Anaesthesia on the Brain & Body

Anaesthesia is one of the most common and an essential component in medical science. It is administered before surgical procedures to control pain and discomfort. While anaesthesia is largely safe and is used widely across the world by healthcare professionals, it does cause some side effects. Take a look at the article to know more.

What is Anaesthesia?

The word anaesthesia means ‘loss of sensation’. Anaesthesia is given to patients so that surgery and other medical procedures can be carried out safely, and without pain as people under anaesthesia ‘lose’ feelings of pain and other sensations. Anaesthesia can be relatively simple, like numbing an area around a tooth during dental treatment, or something more complex, like using powerful drugs to cause unconsciousness.

The drugs used in anaesthesia work by blocking the signals that pass along your nerves to your brain. When the drugs wear off, you start to feel normal sensations again.

What are the types of anaesthesia and their side effects?

1. General anaesthesia

This is one of the most common types of anaesthesia used while performing surgical procedures wherein the patient is completely unconscious. While it is common and safe, there are some side effects of general anaesthesia which includes

● Nausea

● Sore throat

● Confusion

● Itching and shivering

Some people may experience serious side effects of anaesthesia such as long-term memory loss, nerve damage and hematoma. Hence, you need to be closely monitored by an anaesthesiologist for the entire duration to ensure there aren't any anaesthesia long-term side effects.

2. Local anaesthesia

This is one of the safest forms of anaesthesia and is given to numb only a small portion of your body where the procedure is conducted. There are very few side effects after the administration of local anaesthesia such as some redness and itching at the site of injection. If you have a history of anaesthesia intolerance, tell the doctor beforehand to rule out the possibility of any serious anaesthesia long-term side effects.

You may receive local anaesthesia while getting a skin biopsy or a dental treatment.

3. Regional anaesthesia

This refers to numbing a region of the body rather than the whole body by inducing unconsciousness with general anesthesia.It is a type of pain management for surgery that numbs a large part of the body, such as from the waist down. The medication is delivered through an injection or small tube called a catheter and is used when a simple injection of local anesthetic is not enough, and when it’s better for the patient to be awake. Major surgeries such as hip replacements, C-Sections are done under regional anaesthesia.

Regional anaesthesia is also very safe and doesn't usually have serious side effects, though some patients may experience back pain and nausea for a brief period of time.

How can you lower the risk of side effects?

Choose the correct type of anaesthesia, based on the type of procedure can help lower the risk of side effects. If it is a minor procedure, get local anaesthesia and stay protected against the potential side effects of general anaesthesia. Discuss your past experiences, medical history, etc with the doctor to lower the risk of getting any anaesthesia-related side effects.

Conclusion

Anaesthesia is important and needs to be administered before surgery. While there are some side effects of anaesthesia, when done under the watchful supervision of a qualified anaesthesiologist it is largely safe.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Sources

https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/effects-of-anesthesia/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3092153/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320564

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Published on Novemner 14, 2022