It is defined as induction of state of unconsciousness with loss of pain sensation and paralysis of skeletal muscles over the whole body.
Cardinal features of general anesthesia:
- Loss of pain sensation ( Analgesia )
- Unconsciousness
- Amnesia ( Block memory of procedure )
- Muscle relaxation and immobility ( motionless )
- Reflexes are absent
Stages of Anesthesia:
I, Stage of analgesia More details
II, Stage of delirium More details
- It starts from loss of consciousness to beginning of regular respiration.
- Excitement of patients e.g Crying, shoutig, struggling, hold breath, increase muscle tone, tightly closed jaws, vomiting, involuntary micturition and defecation.
- Tachycardia, increase BP.
- Dilated pupils.
- These all are due to sympathetic stimulation.
- Do not start operative procedure during this stage.
III, Surgical anesthesia
IV, Medullary paralysis