Falling off the Table: Emergence Delirium in the Military Veteran

Emergence Delirium (ED) is a post-anesthetic phenomenon which occurs immediately after emergence from general anesthesia and is defined by behavioral symptoms of restlessness, confusion, and possible combative or violent actions upon waking from general anesthesia.1 ED associated disorientation and violent thrashing create a dangerous situation for patients and health care providers.2 Due to the American military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, combat veterans continue to serve on active duty and the traumatic effects from the battlefield carry over into the healthcare environment.1,3 Interest in ED has developed among military anesthesia professionals because of its increasing incidence within their surgical population.2