Awareness during general anesthesia

Content provided by Healthwise

Awareness during general anesthesia

In rare cases, a person who is given general anesthesia but is not completely unconscious may be aware of what is happening during the procedure. Awareness under general anesthesia is very rare because anesthesia specialists devote careful attention and use many methods to prevent this.

Awareness may be recalled as an implicit memory or explicit memory. With implicit memory, information is retained but not consciously recalled. The person may display symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, including dreams, flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. With explicit memory, the person has spontaneous recall of events that occurred during the procedure, such as sounds and sensations of paralysis or pain. Consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist may be warranted if a person has signs or symptoms of psychological trauma from awareness during surgery.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
Last Updated	February 4, 2008

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	February 04, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
Editors:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.