Hospital Lawsuit for Anesthesia Overdose

General anesthesia overdose is one of the inherent risks of surgery. Unlike local anesthesia, which only affects a specified area, general anesthesia induces a state of unconsciousness and numbs the whole body, thereby providing more dangers than local anesthesia. An overdose can lead to severe brain damage and can slow vital functions to such alarming levels that death can result. Anesthesiologists, like any medical personnel, must meet the prescribed standards of medical due care. If they violate this standard, they can be sued for medical malpractice and, in the case where the negligence was particularly wanton or malicious, can also be subject to punitive damages.

Causes of Anesthesia Overdose

Anesthesia overdose can occur when the anesthesiologist does the following:

Any of these situations can lead to catastrophic results that may put a patient in a coma, lead to a heart attack or even death. Other possible injuries include asphyxia, nerve damage, spinal cord injury, stroke, or paralysis. Factors such as a patient's age, gender, weight, and pre-existing conditions can complicate his or her response to anesthesia which is why it is vital that an accurate patient history is taken before any operation.

Symptoms of Anesthesia Overdose

Even if a patient survives surgery, anesthesia poisoning can adversely affect his or her post-operative rehabilitation or cause long-term, even irreparable harm. The aftereffects of general anesthesia usually produces drowsiness, nausea, and cognitive confusion. However, in the case of an overdose, a patient may also suffer the following:

• Anesthetic toxicity that can be in the form of hepatitis or carbon monoxide poisoning
• Malignant hyperthermia which is a rare, allergic reaction to anesthesia and can produce dangerous heart arrhythmia, breathing difficulties and a very high fever

Anesthesia Underdose

In rare cases, the patient does not receive a sufficient anesthesia dose and awakens during surgery. The truly horrifying aspect of this case is that often they do not have the capacity to talk or provide other signs that they are awake. This effect occurs when short-acting anesthesia is paired with a neuromuscular blockade which paralyzes the patient. Surgeons attempt to circumvent this problem with devices that measure patients' brain waves. A patient who was aware during surgery may suffer post traumatic stress symptoms including anxiety, fear, depression, as well as sleep orders. If the sleep awareness was due to negligence by the anesthesiologist, the patient has a claim of medical malpractice.

Find and Attorney

If you suffer residual affects of an anesthesia overdose, or the psychological fallout of awakening during surgery, you may have a malpractice claim against the anesthesiologist and/or the hospital. Find an attorney experienced with these types of cases to ensure that you receive due compensation and that your rights are protected throughout the case.