Levels of Sedation

Minimal Sedation

Your child is scheduled for a procedure with MINIMAL SEDATION. This is not general anesthesia. Minimal sedation will help your child relax. It can cause drowsiness but not usually sleep. The medication options-include (Midazolam) among others, and can be taken by mouth or sprayed up the nose. After sedation, your child may not remember some details from the procedure.

Moderate Sedation

Your child is scheduled for a procedure with MODERATE SEDATION. This is not general anesthesia. Moderate sedation will cause your child to feel very relaxed or sleepy. Your child might fall asleep. Most likely, your child will not remember most of the procedure. For moderate sedation, we may use one medication or a combination of medications. The medication(s) can be given through a spray that goes in the nose and/or an IV catheter into a vein. Sometimes medication is given by mouth first to help your child relax prior to IV placement. If an IV catheter is needed, your child’s skin can usually be numbed first with a topical cream.

Deep Sedation

Your child is scheduled for a procedure with DEEP SEDATION. This is not general anesthesia. In deep sedation, your child will appear fully asleep and not remember most or any of the procedure. Your child may still move occasionally during deep sedation if they are stimulated. The medication(s) for deep sedation are often given into a vein through an IV and occasionally are given via an injection into the muscle (a shot). When placing an IV catheter, we will usually numb the skin ahead of time.

Nitrous Oxide

Your child is scheduled for a procedure with NITROUS OXIDE. This is not general anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a mask over the mouth and nose. It helps your child feel comfortable during the procedure by making them calm and relaxed. It is not intended to put your child asleep. It may be given with other sedation medication as well. Nausea is the most common side effect but is rare and goes away after use. After the procedure is over, your child will receive five minutes of oxygen through the mask, and the effects of the nitrous oxide will be gone.