The consultation is the moment in which the anesthesiologist makes the clinical evaluation of the patient. Depending on the condition presented (type, intensity, and duration of pain and concomitant symptoms), they will be able to assess whether or not there is an indication for interventional procedures, such as nerve blocks and infiltrations with anesthetics.
At the same time, the anesthetist asks a series of questions and, if necessary, may request some tests to assess whether there are contraindications for performing the procedures. Allergy to anesthetics, some types of infections, and continued use of anticoagulant medications are among the main impediments.
So, in general, every pre-anesthetic evaluation should include:
the history (in which one considers the usual medications of use, as well as comorbidities, are known and allergies);
the assessment of functional capacity (that is, skills and limitations in performing the movements necessary to perform daily tasks);
the problematic airway predictors (VAD), as an oral opening condition of the teeth, the cervical level of mobility and evaluation of a series of measures;
the request and, later, evaluation of complementary exams (carried out only if necessary).
What Is The Importance Of The Consultation, And How Should The Patient Behave?
As shown, consultation with the anesthesiologist is essential. In this meeting, the patient (or guardian) should feel free to ask what they want, as often as necessary, until all their doubts are resolved. At the same time, he must be willing and open to receiving expert advice.
It is essential to bring up this subject because, many times, patients with chronic pain come to the pain specialist’s office after having been unsuccessfully seen by many other physicians. This can make you frustrated, disbelieving, or even angry. But as much as this is understandable, it is important to “let down your guard” and embark on this new stage with an open heart.
What To Observe And Ask During The Consultation?
As stated, during the consultation with the anesthesiologist, ask everything you have doubts about. For example:
- how do anesthetics work to treat pain?
- What are the advantages of this type of procedure?
- Whether there are associated risks, and how can they be minimized?
- What are the known side effects?
- Is there an estimate of how long the relief provided by the procedures lasts?
- How is the post-procedure period, and what care is needed?
Also, observe what the professional’s training is: see if there are diplomas and certificates on the office walls.
Taking these precautions, your consultation with the anesthesiologist will be much more fruitful. If the purpose of looking for this professional is to carry out a treatment for chronic pain using anesthesia medical instruments, you will be surprised how much their help goes far beyond their best-known work performed in surgical centers.
