General anesthesia is a common cocktail drug given to patients during surgeries and medical procedures. When successfully administered, anesthesia renders patients unconscious by placing them in a reversible coma. While in this state, patients experience paralysis, amnesia, and analgesia. This is a very sensitive procedure, and the wrong dosage could lead to severe oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesiologists are paid greatly because dosing patients allows no room for error. Each year, many medical malpractice claims are filed against hospitals because anesthesiologists failed to properly monitor patients’ vital signs or administered the wrong dosages of anesthesia. Such negligence can lead to brain damage if the flow of oxygen-rich blood can’t reach a patient’s brain cells during surgery.
An anesthesiologist needs to dedicate absolute focus and attention to their patient during surgery. This includes monitoring blood flow and properly intubating patients. Intubation is when an anesthesiologist places a tube down a patient’s windpipe to keep the airway open during surgery. If an anesthesiologist fails to secure the tube or removes it prematurely, a patient could experience oxygen deprivation. This is incredibly dangerous because severe oxygen deprivation can cause a patient to suffer a stroke and sustain irreversible brain damage.
An anesthesiologist’s job isn’t done even when the surgery is over. A patient requires continuous care and monitoring until their breathing and oxygen levels are stabilized and verified. Sometimes, an overnight hospital stay is necessary after a patient is given a high dose of anesthesia. In these circumstances, it’s important for a nurse or medical staffer to monitor the patient for medical complications and dangerous side effects.
Pursue Your Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC if you or a loved one has suffered brain damage due to an anesthesia error. Our Austin brain injury lawyers can investigate your case and help you file a claim. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer free case evaluations. Our firm offers 24/7 legal services, so don’t hesitate to make this necessary call.
Call our Austin brain injury attorneys at (512) 326-3200 to schedule your free consultation.
