Although many believe complications arising from the use of anesthesia to be uncommon, there are some risks involved with the sedative. Anesthesia is commonly used during invasive surgeries or when it is essential for the patient to be calm and relaxed. In most cases, the drug can bring relief and comfort to what could otherwise be a painful situation. However, in other cases anesthesia has proven to be far more risky and has caused more harm than good.
Anesthesia is a very personal medication that affects each individual differently depending on their body, surgery and their anesthesiologist, the person who administers the drug.
Risk Factors Commonly Associated with Anesthesia
Among the most common risk factors linked to anesthesia are:
- The patient’s age- As people grow older the risks associated with anesthesia and their surgery increases
- Medical Condition- Depending on the patient’s medical condition at the time of the surgery such the anesthesia could affect them in a negative manner
The risks that are associated with taking anesthesia are also dependent upon the type of anesthesia that’s being administered. For instance, when local anesthesia is used in high dosages it can have extremely toxic side effects since it’s sent into the body through the bloodstream. As a result, the patient’s breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure can be put at risk. When regional anesthesia is used it is injected very close to a nerve or bundle of nerves, which can often cause nerve damage or a persistent numbness or weakness.
Among the most common side effects from a complication with anesthesia are:
- Nerve damage
- Brain damage
- Paralysis
- Memory Loss
- Death
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