What is the difference between Anesthesia and Sedation?

Sedation and Anesthesia are used in the medical field. They are normally present during procedures and surgeries to help give the patient a level of comfort and relieve stress. The difference between the two is in regards to their consciousness. Sedation is known as giving the patient a light sleep. Under sedation, a patient doesn't know what is going on or what is around them. However, they may reply to stimulation, such as a nurse asking them to open their eyes. Anesthesia is a much deeper sleep. The patient is not aware of what is around them, and they are unable to reply to stimulation.

Both anesthesia and sedation are techniques used by doctors who need to perform a simple operation procedure. Anesthesia is a type of medication that makes it, so you do not remember the occurrence at all. Sedation, on the other hand, creates a gentle state of relaxation. When someone is under anesthesia, they are numb to the pain from an area.

The sedation technique is generally done to diminish the amount of tension and stress the person may feel about the procedure. Anesthesia does not usually have an impact on someone’s state of mind or feelings. There are also specific classifications of anesthesia, which includes local, regional, and general.

Local anesthesia involves only the smaller parts of the body. The regional type involves the larger areas, and general anesthesia focuses on the brain and the whole body. Two of the most common medications used for sedating the patient are propofol and versed.