To help prepare for medical and surgical procedures requiring anesthesia, it helps to learn about the possible side effects. Anesthesia may be local, regional or general. General anesthesia alters pain perception, aids muscle relaxation, includes a state of controlled unconsciousness and effects the entire body. Local anesthesia is used to block pain sensations and is used for minor procedures. Regional anesthesia is limited to to the lower extremities and nerves in a particular area. Anesthesia's side effects on the brain may include memory loss, impaired motor skills and cognitive deficits.
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Motor Skills
According to Surgery Encyclopedia, motor skills can be temporarily impaired after anesthesia. This often leads to difficulty completing daily routines, operating complex machinery and responding to emergency situations. Most doctors will prescribe recovery plans or medications to treat these side effects. Although a progressive increase in daily activities can help skills return to preoperative levels.
Memory Loss
According to Harvard Medical School, medications may be given to patients before a procedure to minimize memory recall of the event that follows. These medications may include analgesics for pain, anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxants, all of which can contribute to temporary memory loss. Generally, analgesics are used to block pain and muscle relaxants to control movement. Blocking memory of a surgical procedure can decrease fear and anxiety.
Cognitive Defects
The ability to process information, or the cognitive functions of the brain, may be temporarily impaired after anesthesia. Cognition is defined as the ability to understand spoken and written words and to follow commands or instructions. It also includes attention to tasks, concentration and the immediate environment. According to MayoClinic.com, impaired cognition may be prolonged in elderly patients. Rehabilitation therapy and postoperative care is directed at overcoming the impairments through patient specific goals.
