Does anesthesia cause memory loss? Learn these 5 myths and facts

World Anaesthesia Day: On World Anaesthesia Day 2025, learn common myths and facts about anesthesia. Is anesthesia like sleep? Does it cause memory loss? Learn the right information before surgery.

Anaesthesia Myths and Facts: Anesthesia is administered during an operation or surgery to relieve pain. Without anesthesia, it is difficult for a patient to endure the pain of an operation. People have many myths about anesthesia. It is crucial for everyone to have accurate information about it. On the occasion of World Anaesthesia Day 2025, learn about the myths and facts related to anesthesia.

1. Myth: Anesthesia and sleep are the same.

Fact: Anesthesia and sleep are not the same thing. Anesthesia causes unconsciousness, while sleep is a state of consciousness. After anesthesia, the body does not feel pain.

2. Myth: Anesthesia can cause memory loss.

Fact: Anesthesia does not impair memory. Some people may experience nausea or drowsiness. However, if you experience any problems, consult a doctor.

3. Myth: If there is an allergy problem, anesthesia cannot be given.

Fact: Anesthesia is not contraindicated if the patient has an allergy. Rather, doctors assess the person's allergy and then administer anesthesia. This reduces the risk of complications for the patient.

4. Myth: After anesthesia, the person recovers within a few hours and can go home.

Fact: This depends on the type of surgery a person has had. A person's reflexes and physical abilities are affected for hours after anesthesia, so the person is kept under observation for 24 hours.

5. Myth: All patients need the same type of anesthesia.

Fact: There are not just one but three types of anesthesia. General anesthesia renders a person completely unconscious. Regional anesthesia is used to numb a large area of ​​the body. Local anesthesia numbs a small area of ​​the body. The doctor decides which type of anesthesia a person will receive.

Image Credit: gemini