Stages of General Anesthesia

 

The image provides an overview of Guedel’s Classification of the Stages of General Anesthesia, described as follows:

  1. Stage 1: Analgesia (Induction)
    • Description: The patient transitions from consciousness to unconsciousness, beginning with anesthesia administration.
    • Clinical Features: The patient is drowsy but conscious. Reflexes are present, normal respiration, and reflexes occur. Analgesia starts, and amnesia may occur.
  2. Stage 2: Excitement (Delirium)
    • Description: Characterized by involuntary activity, agitation, and irregular breathing.
    • Clinical Features: The patient is unconscious with rapid, irregular breathing, increased muscle tone, hyperactive reflexes, and potential for vomiting, coughing, or laryngospasm.
  3. Stage 3: Surgical Anesthesia
    • Description: Ideal stage for surgery; divided into four planes based on depth.
    • Clinical Features: Regular breathing, loss of reflexes, muscle relaxation, dilated pupils, and no eye movement. Loss of consciousness and sensation.
  4. Stage 4: Medullary Paralysis
    • Description: Overdose stage leading to severe CNS depression and respiratory/cardiovascular collapse.
    • Clinical Features: Severe depression of respiratory and cardiovascular centers, apnea, no response to stimuli, and potentially fatal if not reversed.

This classification helps medical professionals manage anesthesia effectively during surgeries.