emergence agitation
A state of acute confusion, disorientation, and combative or excitatory behavior occurring as a patient regains consciousness after general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Full Definition
Emergence agitation (also called emergence delirium) is characterised by crying, thrashing, incoherence, and disorientation during the recovery phase from general anesthesia or deep sedation. It is particularly common in pediatric dental patients and can be potentiated by certain volatile anaesthetic agents such as sevoflurane. In clinical documentation, emergence agitation is a reportable event that must be distinguished from pain response, hypoxia, or hypoglycaemia, all of which can mimic its presentation. Editors should note that 'emergence agitation' and 'emergence delirium' are used interchangeably in some literature, though 'delirium' carries a more specific clinical definition. Both terms should be hyphenated when used as compound modifiers (emergence-agitation episode), but not as noun phrases.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish 'emergence agitation' from 'postoperative delirium,' which begins hours to days after surgery. When editing pediatric anesthesia records, ensure this event is logged separately from pain or hypoxia-related behaviors.
In Context
- "The recovery room notes documented a brief episode of emergence agitation that resolved within five minutes of reorientation." — Post-procedure monitoring record
- "Sevoflurane-based anesthesia is associated with higher rates of emergence agitation in pediatric dental patients." — Clinical review article