Anesthesia Emergence Delirium

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Occurs post-op. Lack of eye contact. Could be pain, urinary retention, hypoxemia, hypercarbia. Treat with propofol (1 mg/kg) (faster onset) or dexmedetomidine (0.2-0.4 mcg/kg) (technically better but slower onset). Pre-op midazolam not shown to prevent. Propofol TIVA yes, or propofol bolus at end of case. Dexmedetomidine yes. Usually resolves in 15 minutes +/-10, supportive therapy and reassurance throughout