Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/24/2009

Question
Hi. I have had more than one surgery and am about to under go my last surgery hopefully for my condition. I would like to know if a "startled-falling" sensation after waking up from surgery under general anesthesia is normal, and if so what I can do to minimize this uncomfortable feeling? I couldn't stop gasping every time a noise would startle me awake from being drowsy and this caused unnecessary concern and attention from the medical staff. Could this sensation come from pain medication being added post surgery? Thank you for your time and advice. I looked elsewhere online before bothering you with this question but did not see any side effect of general anesthesia marked as noted above. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Answer
Generally when you wake up from anesthesia it is very peaceful. The sensation you have is more likely related to pain meds than to general anesthesia. I hav not heard of this sensation specifically for either general or pain meds but everybody reacts differently.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston