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== Guedel's Classification ==

'''Guedel's Classification''' (pronounced: gwee-dell's classification) is a system used in [[anesthesiology]] to describe the four stages of [[anesthesia]]. It was developed by Arthur Ernest Guedel, an American anesthesiologist, in the early 20th century.

=== Etymology ===

The term is named after [[Arthur Ernest Guedel]], who first described the stages of anesthesia in 1937. 

=== Definition ===

Guedel's Classification is a system that categorizes the physiological response to increasing doses of anesthetic agents. It is divided into four stages:

# '''Stage I:''' Also known as the stage of [[analgesia]] or the stage of voluntary excitement. This stage begins with the administration of the anesthetic and ends with the loss of consciousness.
# '''Stage II:''' Also known as the stage of delirium or the stage of involuntary excitement. This stage begins with the loss of consciousness and ends with the loss of eyelash reflex.
# '''Stage III:''' Also known as the stage of surgical anesthesia. This stage begins with the loss of the eyelash reflex and ends with the cessation of respiration.
# '''Stage IV:''' Also known as the stage of medullary paralysis. This stage begins with the cessation of respiration and ends with death.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Anesthesia]]
* [[Analgesia]]
* [[Arthur Ernest Guedel]]
* [[Eyelash reflex]]
* [[Respiration]]

=== See Also ===

* [[List of medical classifications]]
* [[History of anesthesiology]]

[[Category:Medical Classifications]]
[[Category:Anesthesiology]]
[[Category:Medical Terminology]]

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