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How does anesthesia work? - Steven Zheng

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TEDEd Animation

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When under anesthesia, you can’t move, form memories, or — hopefully — feel pain. And while it might just seem like you are asleep for that time, you actually aren’t. What’s going on? Steven Zheng explains what we know about the science behind anesthesia.

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The regional anesthetic, lidocaine, doctors commonly use today was first discovered by a (future) ophthalmology resident when he accidentally tasted this illegal narcotic on his tongue after his friend, Sigmund Freud, gave him a package to help elevate his mood.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Steven Zheng
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Producer Zedem Media
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
  • Artist Jeanne Bornet
  • Sound Designer Andreas Trachonitis
  • Animator Maria Savva
  • Intern Andria Pourouti
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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