Anesthesia is a powerful tool in modern medicine. It allows doctors to perform complex surgeries without causing pain or awareness. But because of its power, when anesthesia is administered incorrectly, the consequences can be devastating. In severe cases, these errors can lead to permanent brain damage.
For patients and families, understanding how these errors happen, what signs to watch for, and what legal options may be available is critical in protecting yourself from instances of medical malpractice in Louisiana.
At Capitelli & Wicker, a New Orleans-based law firm trusted by individuals across Louisiana, we have seen firsthand how medical mistakes, particularly those involving anesthesia, can permanently alter someone’s life.
With deep experience handling medical malpractice cases and attorneys who are doctors and nurses trained in medical-legal issues, we understand how to uncover the truth behind these life-changing errors and help clients seek the accountability they deserve – and we break those down in this blog.
What is an Anesthesia Error?
Anesthesia errors occur when something goes wrong during the process of administering anesthesia. These can occur at any stage- from the initial pre-op evaluation to discharge from anesthesia’s care, these injuries could involve:
- Giving the wrong dosage, wrong administration or improper medications.
- Failing to monitor vital signs and recognize complications early
- Delayed delivery of oxygen
- Ignoring known drug allergies
- Inadequate preoperative screening or postoperative assessments
- Equipment malfunction or misuse
These errors can happen during any type of procedure, from major surgery in the hospital setting to outpatient care in a surgery center or clinical setting, and often involve anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and other medical professionals who participate in providing anesthesia.
How Can Anesthesia Errors Cause Brain Damage?
The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen and requires a continuous supply. Any disruption—even for just a few minutes—can result in hypoxic brain injury. If anesthesia is improperly administered or a patient’s airway isn’t adequately managed, oxygen levels can drop rapidly, which leads to a condition known as hypoxia. Even a short period of reduced oxygen can lead to long-term brain damage.
Common causes of oxygen deprivation linked to anesthesia errors include:
- Blocked airways
- Respiratory failure
- Incorrect intubation
- Unnoticed changes in heart rate or breathing
Without prompt recognition and response, these lapses can cause permanent physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
Signs of Brain Damage After Surgery
Not all symptoms of brain injury show up right away. Some signs may take days or weeks to become noticeable, which is why it’s essential to remain vigilant and listen to your body if something feels off.
If you or a loved one recently had surgery and experienced complications with anesthesia, here are some red flags to look for:
- Confusion or memory loss
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Vision or hearing problems
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If any of these symptoms appear after a procedure involving anesthesia, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Once stabilized, patients and families may want to investigate whether an error occurred.
Who Is at Risk for Anesthesia-Related Brain Injuries?
While anyone undergoing surgery is at risk, certain individuals may face higher risks, including older adults, young children, patients with pre-existing health conditions, and individuals undergoing long or complex procedures.
In many cases, proper precautions can significantly reduce the risk. But when medical providers overlook key risk factors or fail to follow accepted procedures, patients are left vulnerable.
Common Types of Anesthesia Errors in Louisiana Hospitals
Anesthesia-related injuries can happen in any medical setting, from major hospitals in New Orleans to outpatient clinics across the state. Some of the most commonly reported errors in Louisiana include:
- Failure to monitor. Patients must be continuously monitored during their surgery or procedure for signs of distress.
- Delayed response. If medical staff fail to respond quickly enough to signs of oxygen deprivation, the effects can be devastating.
- Wrong drug or dosage. Administering too much or too little anesthesia can be dangerous and lead to more pain down the line.
- Documentation errors. Inaccurate records can lead to poor decision-making during procedures.
- Breakdown in communication between care members.
When these mistakes happen, having an experienced Louisiana medical malpractice attorney who understands how to investigate hospital records, interview witnesses, and consult with medical professionals can make all the difference.
The Long-Term Impact of Anesthesia-Related Brain Injuries
The effects of brain damage can be permanent and life-altering. Victims may require:
- Lifelong medical care or rehabilitation
- Speech, occupational, or physical therapy
- In-home assistance or mobility aids
- Emotional and psychological support
- Changes in employment or loss of income
The emotional and financial toll on families can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to understand whether the injury was preventable and what options may be available to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Capitelli & Wicker, we’ve helped families across Louisiana navigate the aftermath of catastrophic medical injuries. Our team works to build strong cases that show how and why the injury occurred and who may be responsible.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Orleans, Louisiana
As we’ve explored in this blog, anesthesia errors can have devastating consequences, including permanent damage. When these mistakes happen, patients and families deserve answers, and ultimately, deserve to be justly compensated for the harmful effects anesthesia errors can have on someone.
If you or a loved one has suffered from what you believe was an avoidable medical error in Louisiana, don’t navigate it alone.
If you’re facing the aftermath of an anesthesia-related brain injury, reach out to a legal medical team like Capitelli & Wicker that understands not only the legal system but also has the real-life medical experience to help you navigate your case.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process—with insight, integrity, and compassion.
