Stages and Signs of Anesthesia

Abstract An understanding of the stages and signs of anesthesia is important for medical personnel providing an anesthetic. Personnel administering an anesthetic must appropriately monitor the patient and confirm that the appropriate level of anesthesia and analgesia is being administered for the case at hand. Dr. Arthur Guedel was the first to take a systematic approach, monitoring and classifying the stages of anesthesia. The American Society of Anesthesiologists has developed specific definitions for general anesthesia and all levels of sedation and analgesia.