I’m curious what mechanism is at work here.
Edit: Thanks for the responses. I get it now. Obviously I am still enjoying the discussion RE: the finer points like memory, etc.
In: Biology
General anesthesia is not just sleeping meds. Along with the sleeping drug (example – propofol or inhaled agents), you are also given multiple powerful painkillers (opioids like fentanyl etc.). The amount of painkillers will vary depending on the type and the invasiveness of the surgery. If the painkillers are not given, there will be a big spike in your vitals indicating that the pain receptors are still feeling the pain, even though you may be unconscious and not responding to pain. This is the reason you don’t feel pain under GA.
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