How Anesthesia Works and Why It Is so Difficult
Dying is much more than just counting down from ten and then waking up at the end of the operation, although it’s great that we can do that. This is how anesthesia affects you, which may cause your doctor to warn you before surgery.
The video above goes into detail, but if you can’t watch, here are the basics. There are three main types of anesthesia: regional, inhalation, and intravenous. Regional anesthesia prevents the transmission of electrical pain signals from one part of the body to the brain. Inhalation anesthesia affects your entire nervous system, including your brain, and is often used in conjunction with intravenous anesthesia to keep you unconscious during major surgery.
Anesthesia affects your nervous system and brain, as well as other vital organs such as the heart, lungs and liver, which is why it is so important that the anesthesiologist finds the right balance for you. They also monitor your vital signs during surgery to adjust the anesthesia as needed. Watch the video above to learn a little more about your medical history, which common drugs are used and where they came from, and more.
How does anesthesia work? | Ted-Ed (YouTube)