Sedation

Sedation is a medication-induced reduction in alertness and responsiveness, ranging from relaxation with preserved interaction to unconsciousness approaching general anesthesia.

GABAergic drugs: Drugs that enhance signaling by gamma-aminobutyric acid, the brain’s principal inhibitory neurotransmitter. Many commonly used sedatives increase inhibitory signaling through GABA receptors.
Minimal sedation: A drug-induced state in which patients respond normally to verbal commands and breathing and cardiovascular function remain unaffected. It is the lightest level on the commonly used procedural sedation continuum.
Procedural sedation: Medication-induced sedation and analgesia used to facilitate a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure while maintaining spontaneous breathing when possible. It is a common use of sedation outside the operating room.
Airway management: Assessment and intervention to maintain or restore airflow and adequate ventilation. Deeper-than-intended sedation can obstruct the airway or impair protective reflexes.
Benzodiazepines: A drug class that enhances GABA-A receptor activity and can reduce anxiety, cause sedation, and impair memory. They produce sedation and amnesia, but can suppress breathing, especially with opioids.
Moderate sedation: A drug-induced state in which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands or light touch while maintaining their airway independently. It marks a deeper level than relaxation while usually preserving purposeful responses.
Conscious sedation: A historical and still-used term for moderate sedation, implying responsiveness despite medication-induced impairment. The term can mislead because patients may not remain fully conscious or remember the procedure.
Capnography: Measurement and display of carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled breath over time. It can reveal hypoventilation before oxygen saturation falls.
Propofol: An intravenous anesthetic drug used to induce and maintain sedation or general anesthesia. Its rapid, dose-dependent effects make it common in procedural and intensive-care sedation.
Deep sedation: A drug-induced state in which patients are not easily aroused but respond purposefully after repeated or painful stimulation. The boundary with general anesthesia matters because airway support may become necessary.

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