Anesthesia can sometimes seem intimidating, and it’s no surprise that that has lead to various myths and misconceptions. The following are a few common misunderstandings about anesthesia, and the facts to debunk them.

Myth 1: You can wake up during surgery under general anesthesia and feel everything.

Fact: This is a common fear, but it’s incredibly rare. Modern anesthesia is highly advanced, and anesthesiologists use precise doses and continuous monitoring to ensure you stay fully unconscious throughout your surgery. In the very rare cases where awareness does occur, it’s brief, with patients typically not feeling pain. Your anesthesiologist’s main priority is keeping you safe and comfortable, and they adjust the anesthesia carefully to prevent any unexpected waking.

Myth 2: Anesthesia is dangerous for everyone.

Fact: While all medical procedures carry some risk, anesthesia is generally very safe, especially with today’s advanced techniques and careful monitoring. Anesthesiologists are highly trained to assess your individual risk factors and make the anesthesia process as safe as possible. Complications are rare, and your anesthesiologist will take your health conditions into account to customize your care and minimize any risks. 

Myth 3: Older adults or people with certain health conditions can’t have anesthesia.

Fact: While older adults or those with underlying conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may require more individualized care, they can absolutely receive anesthesia safely; anesthesiologists will adjust the type and dose of anesthesia to fit your unique needs. 

Myth 4: Local anesthesia is less effective than general anesthesia.

Fact: Local anesthesia is not “weaker” than general anesthesia, but is just used for different purposes. It’s highly effective for numbing a small, targeted area of your body, ensuring that you don’t feel pain during minor procedures while staying fully awake. Local anesthesia is often preferred because it carries fewer side effects and allows for faster recovery compared to general anesthesia; for the right procedure, local anesthesia works perfectly without the need for total unconsciousness.

Myth 5: Anesthesia always causes severe side effects, like nausea or memory loss.

Fact: While it’s true that some people experience mild side effects, such as nausea or grogginess, after anesthesia, severe side effects are uncommon. Memory loss, particularly long-term, is very rare and typically occurs only in older patients after prolonged surgeries. Depending on factors like your medical history, age, and the type of procedure, different types of anesthesia can be chosen to minimize these side effects. For example, regional anesthesia is known to reduce the risk of delirium in older patients. If you have concerns, discuss all available anesthesia options with your anesthesiologist to find the best approach for you. 

Myth 6: You’ll say something you regret when waking up from anesthesia. 

Fact: Some patients are concerned that they’ll wake up from anesthesia in a dazed state and say things they wouldn’t normally share. While it’s true that coming out of anesthesia can make you feel groggy or disoriented, most people don’t say anything embarrassing. The initial moments after waking are generally spent becoming more aware of your surroundings, and your medical team is focused on your recovery, not on casual conversation. If you do say something funny or random, it’s usually just a harmless side effect of the medications wearing off and is nothing to worry about.

Myth 7: Once you’re under anesthesia, the anesthesiologist’s job is done.
Fact: This is a common misunderstanding. Anesthesiologists are constantly monitoring you throughout the entire procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. They don’t just administer the anesthesia and leave. In fact, they continuously assess your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain stable and unconscious (if under general anesthesia) during the surgery. The anesthesiologist is an essential part of your surgical team from start to finish.

Myth 8: You can eat or drink before surgery if it’s just a little bit.
Fact: It’s very important to follow the fasting instructions provided by your medical team before anesthesia. Even consuming a small amount of food or drink can increase the risk of complications during anesthesia, such as aspiration (inhaling food or liquid into your lungs). Typically, you’ll be advised to stop eating and drinking a certain number of hours before surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving. This precaution is for your safety, and failing to follow it could lead to delays or rescheduling of your procedure.

Myth 9: Anesthesia doesn’t affect your body after the surgery is over.
Fact: While the main effects of anesthesia wear off once the procedure is completed, it can take some time for your body to fully recover from the medications used. You may feel drowsy or groggy for several hours afterward, and in some cases, you might experience lingering effects like mild nausea or difficulty concentrating. However, these effects are typically short-lived, and your anesthesiologist will provide guidelines for managing any symptoms that arise. In most cases, patients recover quickly without any lasting side effects.

Myth 10: You can drive yourself home after surgery if you feel okay.
Fact: Even if you feel fine after your procedure, you should never drive yourself home after receiving anesthesia. Anesthesia can impair your reaction time, judgment, and coordination for hours after the procedure, even if you don’t feel particularly drowsy. Your medical team will always advise you to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, and it’s usually recommended to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery in case you need assistance.

Myth 11: Children can’t safely receive anesthesia.
Fact: Children can safely undergo anesthesia when it is administered by a trained pediatric anesthesiologist. Pediatric anesthesiologists are specifically trained to tailor the type and dosage of anesthesia to suit a child’s unique physiology. Safety is always the top priority, and anesthesia techniques for children have advanced significantly, making it a routine and safe part of many pediatric surgeries. Parents are often more anxious than necessary, but the risk of complications remains low when proper procedures are followed.

Myth 12: If you have allergies, you can’t have anesthesia.
Fact: Having allergies doesn’t automatically mean you can’t safely receive anesthesia. However, it is important to inform your anesthesiologist about all allergies you have, whether they’re related to medications, foods, or environmental factors. Anesthesiologists can adjust the medications used and take extra precautions to avoid any allergic reactions. In most cases, allergies do not pose a major barrier to receiving anesthesia, but it’s critical to communicate your full medical history to your healthcare team.