The widely used anesthetic propofol has a dramatic effect on the oscillating waves circulating through the brain, a new primate study shows – important findings for understanding more about our bodies under anesthesia, and ensuring it remains safe to use.
When we’re conscious, the brain is dominated by higher frequency waves (beta waves) – but under the influence of propofol-based general anesthesia, it seems that very slow-frequency traveling waves (delta waves) are much more common.
Moving through the cortex – the outermost layer of brain tissue – these waves also shift from traveling in all kinds of different directions to all pointing the same way. Some beta waves still exist, but also in small pockets not covered by delta waves.
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