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• An anesthetic is any one of a diverse group of compounds used to prevent sensation and awareness. Anesthetics act in a number of ways, including pain prevention, memory loss and muscle relaxation. WebMD: Anesthesia - Topic Overview Drugs.com: Types Of Anesthesia

• Fast Facts

  1. First local anesthetic: CocaineDoctorSpiller: Local Anesthetic Agents and Their History
  2. First inhalants: Nitrous oxide, ether and chloroform Institute for the Study of Healthcare Organizations: How was Anesthesia Discovered
  3. Nitrous oxide: AKA Laughing gasUniversity of Bristol: Nitrous Oxide - Laughing Gas
  4. Used by up to 40 million people yearlyPubMed Central: Awareness During Anesthesia
  5. Provided by: AnesthesiologistsLifePoint Hospitals: Anesthesiologist
  6. Improper administration of anesthetic can result in anesthesia awarenessAnesthesia Awareness Campaign

• Types of Anesthesia

  1. Local anesthetics numb only a small specific area of the body and are used for minor procedures. The patient is able to remain awake.
  2. Regional anesthetics block pain impulses along the spinal cord (spinal anesthesia) or along a group of nerves (nerve block).
  3. General anesthetics act directly on the brain. The patient remains completely unconscious, does not feel pain and is unaware of stimulation while under general anesthesia. General anesthetics can be given intravenously or by inhalation.WebMD: Anesthesia - Topic Overview WebMD Anesthesia - Types of Anesthesia HealthAtoZ: Anesthesia, Local Anesthesiology Info: How Does Anesthesia Work?

• Central Figures in Anesthesia

  1. Sir Humphrey Davy: Discovered nitrous oxideHistory.com: History of Anesthetics
  2. Crawford Long: First used general anesthesiaArchitect of the Capitol: Crawford W. Long
  3. Sir James Simpson: Discovered anesthetic use of chloroformHistory.com: History of Anesthetics

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor with any questions about anesthetics.

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