Anesthesia (Conscious Sedation)

Overview

Conscious sedation is a type of anesthesia that makes the patient feel very relaxed. It reduces painful sensations and the awareness of pain. It is not intended to put the patient to sleep, and will wear off quickly after a procedure. Conscious sedation is commonly used for simple procedures that can be completed quickly.

Patient Care and Safety

The type and amount of anesthesia used depends on the patient's need. An anesthesia provider will consider the patient’s health, medication use, allergies, medical history and past use of anesthesia to decide what is best for the patient. The patient will be monitored closely throughout the procedure.

Delivering the Anesthesia

Conscious sedation may be given to the patient through a needle or an IV. It can also be given orally as a pill. Conscious sedation makes the patient feel relaxed and groggy, and often the patient will fall asleep. A sleeping patient can be awakened easily to respond to questions and commands. The patient will not remember pain from the procedure.

After the Procedure

When the anesthesia wears off, some side effects are common. Patients may feel sleepy and confused. They may have a headache or feel nauseous. These symptoms usually go away quickly.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.