Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Subanesthetic-Dose Ketamine to Decrease Emergence Delirium in the Surgical Patient With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
1is a full time staff CRNA practicing in Hanford, California, and is adjunct faculty with the National University Nurse Anesthesia Program in Fresno, California. At the time she wrote this article, she was a student registered nurse anesthetist at the National University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Fresno, California. This article is dedicated to her lifelong editor and father, Gary DeMill.
Abstract:
Recently, emergence delirium (ED) has been associated with patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, no research exists to support best practice in this population. Identification of the pathophysiologic alterations that occur in ED and PTSD can guide pharmacotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that glutaminergic dysfunction plays a role in ED and PTSD. A comprehensive understanding of the glutaminergic alterations that occur in ED and PTSD exposes a potential for pharmacologic intervention. The anesthetic agent ketamine modulates glutamate neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. By appreciating the relationship that exists between ED, PTSD, and glutamate, one can extrapolate that a subanesthetic dose of ketamine may decrease ED in the surgical patient with PTSD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Stages of General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

