Anesthesia awareness happens when the medications provided to render the patient unconscious during general anesthesia are not effective but the agents used to paralyze the patient are effective. This means that the patient is unable to move or speak, but is wide awake, hearing and feeling the entire procedure.
Awareness during a surgical procedure is a rare, but it remains a concern for many patients who are anticipating having surgery with general anesthesia.
If you are concerned about anesthesia awareness or have experienced it in the past, be sure to inform your anesthesia provider. Doctors can address your concerns and your specific situation to make sure your anesthesia is adequate for your surgery.
