What are the types of anesthesia?
- A general anesthetic is one in which the patient is rendered unconscious for the period of surgery.
- A regional anesthetic blocks the electrical nerve impulses in a nerve or group of nerves to the site of the surgical procedure.
- A local anesthetic prevents pain by inducing the loss of sensation in a certain area of the body while the patient remains awake.
- Sedation is a type of anesthesia where a drug is given to calm a patient during an otherwise excited, uncomfortable, or anxious period of time. Often administered to patients immediately prior to surgery or during uncomfortable medical procedures.