Developing new neurophysiological signatures of general anesthesia induced loss of consciousness

General anesthesia is currently defined in the context of its use in clinical care [1]. The mechanism by which anesthetic drugs induce general anesthesia is not well understood. There is therefore a need to incorporate neurophysiological characterizations into the definition and understanding of anesthesia. Distinct patterns in the electroencephalogram have been associated with anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness [2-4] and are used as part of protocols to monitor integrity of brain function [5]. However, the transition to unconsciousness during a gradual induction of general anesthesia has not been studied systematically.