Anesthesia Fears and Myths

What if I wake up during general anesthesia?

Awareness during general anesthesia, as well as remembering events during a procedure, is extremely rare. During general anesthesia, you will be fully asleep and not feel pain due to the medication being administered by your anesthesia professional. 

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of awareness or recall, including the type and complexity of the surgery and whether the procedure is emergent. For example, in trauma cases or when a patient’s blood pressure is unstable, anesthesia may need to be lighter for the patient’s safety. This could result in some level of awareness. 

Some patients may recall brief moments at the beginning or end of anesthesia: such as falling asleep, waking up, having a breathing tube removed, being moved, or having a dressing applied. These experiences are a normal part of the anesthetic process and do not represent true anesthesia awareness. 

There are different types of anesthesia, including sedation, that allow patients to open their eyes and respond to the healthcare team during the procedure. Local and regional anesthesia provide targeted pain control during a procedure. A specific area of the body is numbed without putting you to sleep.   

If patients use substances like opioids, alcohol, or other recreational drugs, a higher dose of anesthesia medication may be required. It is important for you to be open and honest with your anesthesia professional about the use of these substances. Learn more about Addiction and Anesthesia.    

In all cases, your anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), closely monitors you to keep you comfortable and appropriately sedated based on your procedure, medical history, and pain management needs.   

Will I wake up after my surgery?

The majority of patients wake up safely after surgery, though some may feel groggy or confused for a short time. Some patients may take longer to wake up because their bodies process medications slowly. This can happen in older adults, younger patients, people who are sensitive to medication, or those with a family history of adverse reactions to anesthesia. 

Following higher-risk procedures, like brain and heart surgery, patients may take longer to process the medications used during anesthesia. Your healthcare team will talk through these considerations with you ahead of time, so you know what to expect.     

In every case, your anesthesia professional will choose the most appropriate medication based on your procedure, medical history, and pain management needs. 

Does anesthesia stay in my system for months?

Anesthesia medications do not stay in your system for months. Most people clear the medications used during anesthesia within a few hours to several days, but recovery can vary. Some people may notice longer-lasting effects and take longer to feel back to normal, including:   

• Older adults with health conditions    
• Children having multiple surgeries with repeated exposure to anesthesia drugs  
• Patients with certain medical conditions, like Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease 

Following anesthesia, most side effects improve with time. Learn about the Long-Term Effects of Anesthesia.  

Will I feel pain during my surgery?

For the majority of  procedures, you will not feel pain during general anesthesia. Your anesthesia professional focuses on your safety and comfort. Your anesthesia professional will stay with you throughout the procedure and monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing. Based on these factors, your anesthesia will be adjusted to keep you comfortable and safe.   

In some procedures, when using regional anesthesia, like an epidural, you may feel pressure or movement but not sharp pain. Your anesthesia professional will explain what to expect based on your situation.  Learn more about Local and Regional Anesthesia.

Will anesthesia affect my memory or brain? 

Any effects like memory loss and brain fog are usually temporary. After a procedure that requires anesthesia, grogginess or confusion are common as you wake up and begin recovery. There are some factors that can influence recovery from anesthesia:  

• Age (older adults may take longer to recover cognitively)   
• Length of surgery (longer procedures may require more recovery time)   
• Pre-existing cognitive conditions or prior brain injuries   
• Overall health   

In some cases, especially with serious illness or ICU stays, patients may experience temporary changes in memory or thinking. These are usually part of a broader medical picture, not just anesthesia alone. Learn more about Anesthesia and Memory Loss and Anesthesia Safety for Older Adults.  

Will having an epidural cause permanent back problems? 

Permanent back problems from epidural or spinal anesthesia are rare. Back discomfort after childbirth is often related to physical strain and not the epidural itself. Mild soreness at the epidural site usually goes away within a few days. Some people may also experience a headache after an epidural as well. Learn more about Anesthesia Options during Labor and Managing Pain after Childbirth.

Prior to giving an epidural, your anesthesia professional will ask about any history of back issues. Patients who have had back surgery can often safely receive an epidural, though placement may be more challenging. During placement, you will be awake and able to give feedback. If you feel anything unusual, such as a sharp pain on one side, let your healthcare team know right away.