What are the different types of anesthesia used and what is the difference between them?

The three main types of anesthesia are local anesthesia, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is when medication is injected directly into the area of surgery and the patient is awake. Conscious sedation is when medication is given through an IV and the patient breathes on their own during the procedure but is sedated during the procedure. Local anesthesia is typically used at the same time with conscious sedation is used. General anesthesia is when a patient is completely "out" and a machine is used to breathe for them.