Understanding how we wake up from general anesthesia
Mechanisms of emergence from general anesthesia
This research explores the brain's processes when waking up from general anesthesia, aiming to make the experience smoother for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141217 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When you receive general anesthesia, your body wakes up on its own, which can sometimes lead to confusion or agitation. We don't fully understand the brain changes that happen during this transition. This project uses advanced techniques to look at specific brain cells and connections in mice, focusing on how they change as the brain shifts from an anesthetized state to being awake. By studying these tiny brain mechanisms, we hope to learn why some people experience agitation or delirium after surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have undergone or will undergo general anesthesia and experience or are at risk for emergence agitation or delirium could potentially benefit from future treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not undergo general anesthesia or do not experience issues with waking up from it may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help patients wake up more comfortably and predictably from anesthesia, reducing side effects like agitation.
How similar studies have performed: While the general mechanisms of anesthesia are known, the specific cellular processes governing emergence and related behavioral issues are not well understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heshmati, Mitra — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Heshmati, Mitra
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.