The Dangers of Anesthesia

Imagine having only a small block of wood to bite down on during a surgery where you are wide awake and not anesthetized at all. Other early methods of anesthesia included chewing on coca leaves, drinking alcohol, and taking opium. However, it was not until 1842 that a doctor successfully performed a surgery using modern-day chemical anesthesia.

Now, we utilize anesthesia for a number of different processes that may cause pain. Local anesthesia leaves you awake with only a specific part of your body numbed. Regional anesthesia works on an entire portion of your body, such as one whole leg or arm. While you can be left awake with regional anesthesia, doctors may administer a sedative to keep you from becoming antsy during the surgery. Lastly, general anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep so that you are completely oblivious to the operation.

While there are millions of people who are extremely thankful for the way that anesthetics block pain and even awareness, there are others who have suffered from the detrimental side effects that can occur. Personal factors like age and medical conditions can affect the way anesthesia will react with your body, and an anesthesiologist needs to take those into account, as well as other vitals such as your weight.

However, the more anesthesia you receive, the more you are at risk for having complications. Anesthesia can cause the following problems:

  • Local – breathing and circulatory problems, allergic reactions
  • Regional – long-term nerve damage, infection, bruising, heart or lung issues
  • General – problems with aspiration, irregular heart rate, stroke, heart attack

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All medical staff, including anesthesiologists, should perform with the utmost level of attention and care to help prevent medical accidents from occurring. However, negligence can cause a person to suffer from things like anesthesia-related health issues.

If you or someone you know has had anesthesia complications, or other problems resulting from medical malpractice, talk to an attorney today about your options. Contact the Oklahoma medical malpractice lawyers of the Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046.

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Oklahomans across the state have recognized the Abel Law Firm's unique heritage as a statewide institution. Founded by Ed Abel, and today led by his son, Luke Abel, our personal injury law firm has become synonymous with empathy, compassion, and the highest professional performance serving our neighbors. Our family has sought to leave a profound impact upon the State of Oklahoma. We appreciate that former Governor Mary Fallin recognized that dedication when she declared May 1st "Ed Abel Day."

To be named Oklahoma's Best Personal Injury Law Firm is humbling. We are grateful to have won this prestigious honor. We work every day to earn the trust of those we serve: Oklahoma families who are facing some of the most difficulty days of their lives due to the negligence of others. It is our intention and resolve to continue to be deserving of the faith Oklahomans have placed in our family's law firm. Thank you!

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