Emergence Delirium

Emergence agitation/emergence delirium is a self-limited, postanesthesia complication occurring in anywhere between 10% and 80% of children. It is important to recognize that emergence agitation/emergence delirium represents a continuum of increasing severity. While there are no long-term sequelae as a result of emergence delirium, the short-term consequences can be trying for parents and caregivers alike. While no uniform “treatment” exists for emergence delirium, there are various approaches in treating and preventing the condition. This chapter defines the features of emergence delirium and the associated risk factors; describes the different rating scales for measuring emergence delirium and the differences between them, and lastly discusses the measures for the prevention and treatment of pediatric emergence delirium.