Korean J Anesthesiol.  2014 May;66(5):339-345. 10.4097/kjae.2014.66.5.339.

Awareness and recall during general anesthesia

• Chung HS

• KMID: 1937751
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2014.66.5.339

Abstract

Anesthesia awareness is defined as both consciousness and recall of surgical events. New research has been conducted out to test this phenomenon. However, testing methods have not proven reliable, including those using devices based on electroencephalographic techniques to detect and prevent intraoperative awareness. The limitations of a standard intraoperative brain monitor reflect our insufficient understanding of consciousness. Moreover, patients who experience an intraoperative awareness can develop serious post-traumatic stress disorders that should not be overlooked. In this review, we introduce the incidence of intraoperative awareness during general anesthesia and discuss the mechanisms of consciousness, as well as risk factors, various monitoring methods, outcome and prevention of intraoperative awareness.

Keyword

Anesthesia; Complications; Electroencephalography; Intraoperative awareness; Post-traumatic stress disorders

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Anesthesia, General*
Brain
Consciousness
Electroencephalography
Humans
Incidence
Intraoperative Awareness
Risk Factors
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic