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How Long After Anesthesia Can You Drive?

Sophia Soraya

July 4, 2024

Anesthesia-related accidents are relatively rare but still notable. According to a case-crossover study involving 70,722 drivers who had undergone surgery, 263 of them were involved in car crashes. While the study does not absolutely link the crashes with surgery, the residual effects that anesthesia can have on your cognitive and motor functions played out. So, how long after anesthesia you can drive? Everyone should wait at least 24 hours before driving after receiving any form of anesthesia.

If you or a family member has been injured through an anesthesia-related accident, engage a New Jersey personal injury attorney. Your lawyer has the resources to investigate your case and pursue the necessary legal avenues for compensation.

Why You Should Not Drive Home After Anesthesia?

First, anesthesia disrupts the normal functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can interfere with the release and reception of neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which are essential for cognitive processes and motor coordination.

Additionally, anesthesia has been shown to alter the activity of certain brain regions involved in memory, attention, and motor control. It affects the activity of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus areas. This would disrupt memory formation, decision-making, and information processing, something which significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Generally, anesthesia administration will do the following:

  • Limit your range of motion
  • Weaken your strength
  • Decrease your reflexes
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Impair your vision

Also, New Jersey law prohibits the operation of motor vehicles “while under the influence of an intoxicating narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug.” This includes anything that brings stupefaction, excitement, intoxication, inebriation, or dulling of the nervous system or brain.

However, the presence of a drug in the blood or urine is sufficient to establish a DWI case in NJ. The case relies solely on the testimony of a drug recognition expert (DRE) who will give his testimony as to whether the driver was under the influence of a prescription drug. This area of law is quite complex, so you need to have an attorney to help handle your anesthetic malpractice or car accident case professionally.

What Kind of Anesthesia Can Impair You from Driving?

All types of anesthesia can potentially impair your ability to drive immediately after the procedure. Different medical professionals will administer these for various purposes:

  • General Anesthesia: This type affects your entire body and usually takes the longest to wear off. You will likely need someone to drive you home and should avoid driving for at least 24 to 48 hours.
  • Regional Anesthesia: This includes spinal or epidural anesthesia, which numbs large areas of your body. Even though you might not feel drowsy, your motor control and reflexes can still be affected.
  • Local Anesthesia: Although it numbs a small area, local anesthesia can sometimes include sedatives to help you relax. These sedatives can impair your ability to drive, so it’s advisable to wait at least 24 hours before getting behind the wheel.
  • Sedation: Sedation is used to relax patients and reduce their awareness during procedures. Moderate sedation might make you feel drowsy and aware but relaxed, while deep sedation brings you to the edge of consciousness. The effects of sedation can last several hours after the procedure, and it is recommended to avoid driving till the effects have fully worn off.

When a medical procedure involving anesthesia results in an accident, such as a car accident due to impairment, the type of anesthesia used can be a significant factor in a medical malpractice case. Your attorney will bring in medical experts who can clarify the typical effects of anesthesia administered and how those effects should have been communicated to the patient.

Can a Doctor Be Negligent if They Fail to Explain to You About Anesthesia Effects?

A doctor can be considered negligent if they fail to explain the effects of anesthesia and the associated risks related to driving post-procedure. This is because doctors have a duty of care towards their patients, which is a cornerstone of medical ethics and legal responsibility.

Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of medical care, and it includes ensuring patients understand the potential side effects of anesthesia administration. Failing to obtain proper informed consent constitutes a breach of duty.

After your attorney has determined that the breach caused your harm, they can file a lawsuit against the practitioner who exhibited negligence to seek compensation for the resulting damages. They will gather evidence, such as engaging medical experts to build a strong case to support your claim.

Call a NJ Anesthesia Malpractice Attorney Now

If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident after receiving anesthesia, it’s recommended to take legal action to protect your rights. A New Jersey medical malpractice attorney from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. will discuss your case and explore your options for obtaining just compensation. Contact us now for professional legal guidance regarding your medical malpractice claim.

Sophia Soraya

Sophia Soraya is a seasoned attorney specializing in complex civil matters, with a focus on personal injury, professional malpractice, and product liability cases across New York and New Jersey. Sophia is a Partner with the Firm and has been selected as a Super Lawyers, Rising Star for consecutive years.

University: J.D. New England Law (Boston)

Bar Number: 000402013

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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