WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

General anesthesia

Anesthesia is a way to control pain using anesthetic medication. General anesthesia, which can be injected into a vein or inhaled, affects the entire body and makes the person unconscious.

A person under general anesthesia is completely unaware of what is going on and does not feel pain during the surgery or procedure. Anesthesia interrupts the pain signals between a person's nerve endings and the brain. The health professional administering the anesthesia (anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist) monitors the person's condition throughout the procedure.

Possible complications from anesthesia include allergic reactions, nausea and/or vomiting, and infections.

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

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 04, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.