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"AWAKE" and Anesthetic Awareness patient

“Awake,” the new “psychological thriller” movie released in the United States on November 30, exploits the uncommon but real surgical experience known as "patient awareness under general anesthesia." In "Awake," a young man (played by Hayden Christensen) undergoing heart surgery endures an extreme "anesthetic awareness" experience—he becomes aware of what is being said around him, is able to feel pain, and is unable to move or speak due to the paralytic agent he has been given.

While most people can appreciate that the intent of the movie is to prey upon a basic human fear, AwakeMovieFacts.com has been created to let moviegoers and surgical patients alike know that anesthetic awareness as depicted in "Awake" is uncommon, and that anesthesia today is safer than it has ever been.

On this site you will uncover misconceptions, facts, and resources about anesthetic awareness. You will also learn about the clinical inaccuracies and exaggerations portrayed onscreen.

Surgical patients need to be assured that even though surgery and anesthesia are serious business with inherent dangers, modern surgery would not be possible without the miracle of anesthesia. Anesthetic awareness is a possible complication to know about and understand, but not to dwell on. By all means, if you or a loved one needs to have surgery, scenes from a Hollywood potboiler should not deter you!