Can someone explain the amnestic effects of Anesthesia?

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.

Can someone explain to me the amnestic effects of Anesthesia? I know you give patients Versed in pre-op, right? just curious to know why you can remember everything up to the point you move on the bed? Has the Versed not kicked in yet? Or is Versed not the Amnestic? Sorry if this is a silly question but just wondering....

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The exact mechanisim of versed in relation to amesia is not fully understood due to the fact we really do not understand the way memories are stored or processed), in my case easily 90% of my patients do not even remember going to the OR, in the case you are talking about the versed may not have been given early enough or perhaps not enough, and yes versed in amnesticagent.

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Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.

can't answer as a nurse--not my area of expertise--but can give some info from the patient's viewpoint.

i've had three surguries-two under general, the last under spinal because i didn't want to be a foggy-brained nitwit for another 6 months (post anesthesia brain syndrome):bugeyes:

in all three cases, the last thing i remember is "we're going to give you something to help you relax"...then being awoken by "the surgery was fine, you're in recovery, wake up!!:D:d

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Specializes in Trauma/Surgical ICU, L&D.

Anterograade amnesia occurs by inhibiting the hippocampus (benzos and volatile anesthetics)

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You smarty, now I'm impressed!

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