Dr. Marc Morales MD
Anesthesiologist
About
Dr. Marc Morales is an anesthesiologist in academic medicine teaching anesthesia, and is currently not in active practice
Education and Training
Universidad Tech Santiago
Provider Details
Dr. Marc Morales MD's Expert Contributions
Can anesthesia cause drowsiness long after surgery?
It is unclear from the question you wrote, as I am assuming your mother had cardiac bypass surgery. Yes, anesthesia, depending on the type utilized, could contribute to her being sleepy or drowsy, but there could be other problems as well, such as low blood count (anemia) if blood was lost along with other problems. If this persists, the best idea is to have your mother evaluated by her treating physician to ascertain the reason for her feeling poorly. READ MORE
My son was given anesthesia before his CT scan and is now drowsy. Is this normal?
As it is unknown what he received the question is a little difficult to answer. Most of the time a mild sedative is utilized for CT scanning and the effect may take several hours to wear off. It is not uncommon to feel tired for several hours post administration of a sedative type medication or what other medications might have been given. If any questions or concerns, please contact his physician or take him to the Emergency Room for further evaluation. READ MORE
I have heard the anesthesia given during C-section can later cause back pain. Is it true?
Generally, this is not true. Most often, epidural anesthesia in combination with sedation is utilized. At times, general anesthesia is required. There may be headache and/or residual back pain and some numbness after the procedure, generally these resolve in 3-5 weeks. Please check with your OB-GYN and make sure you meet with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure to go over questions you may have. READ MORE
Can an overdose of anesthesia cause death?
There are always risks to anesthesia, which is why you would undergo an exam by your private and or referring physician and you will meet with an anesthesiologist prior to your procedure to review the plan, your prior experience if any, with anesthesia, risks, benefits, etc. Overdose of anesthesia is rare ( if worried about narcotic or sedative) these are closely monitored and reversal agents are available should they be needed. The vast majority of cases go well READ MORE
Why do my arms feel numb after surgery?
It is unclear but it sounds as though a regional anesthetic may have been given to allow the surgery to occur. As these block specific nerves it is possible that you would experience this in both arms. The numbness should wear off shortly after the procedure. If it does not resolve within a day or so, please contact your surgeon and anesthesiologist for further information. READ MORE
I am a diabetic and a blood pressure patient. Could anesthesia have any counter interactions during my surgery?
There are risks associated with all types of anesthesia, but these are typically controlled. It is standard for your treating physician and surgeon to examine you and obtain EKG and labs and you should meet with your anesthesiologist to review their recommendations and come up with the safest plan for administration of anesthesia during your surgery. READ MORE
Would my diabetic medication have a counter interaction with anesthesia?
Your OB-GYN physician and internist will provide information to your anesthesiologist about your diabetes and medications provided. They should not interfere with the anesthesia, and a plan will be developed between your doctors to ensure safe administration and monitoring of the anesthesia, blood sugar and infant. READ MORE
Is anesthesia in low blood pressure patients risky?
Depending on the type of anesthetic administered, blood pressure can drop. In most cases of root canals, local anesthetic and a mild sedative may be administered. This should have little effect on your blood pressure, but prior to the procedure it is wise to advise your oral surgeon of this condition, your internist and if warranted, during the procedure have an anesthesia provider on standby, (MAC) Monitored Anesthesia Care, that would be able to constantly monitor for any reactions to your blood pressure. READ MORE
Can anesthesia be administered to a patient with diabetes?
Yes, most procedures such as this can be done under local, regional or general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will consult with the surgeon and physician providing diabetic care to develop a plan that is the safest for your husband. READ MORE
I need to undergo a nail removal treatment. Will anesthesia have to be administered for this?
In most cases such as this, local/regional anesthesia with Lidocaine or Marcaine (similar to that used by dentists) can be given to provide anesthesia to the area for removal. READ MORE
What can I do for the back pain that has started two years after my C-section?
Since there could be a number of issues causing back pain, an exam by a board certified orthopedic spinal specialist would be appropriate to begin with, and if warranted, they can do imaging beginning with plain X-ray to MRI to further diagnose and ultimately find the correct treatment for you. READ MORE
Can anesthesia have any side effects?
Generally most patients prior to surgery are asked to be cleared medically by their internists. Once receiving a general clearance in addition the anesthesiologist will perform an evaluation and decide what type of anesthesia is best for your father. He/she should review any contraindications or side effects of anesthesia with him and look for any interactions with medications he may take. In the vast majority of cases this type of coordination helps ease any anxiety the patient and family may have with anesthetics and allow for safe administration of anesthesia. READ MORE
I have a uterine septum that needs to be removed. What is the safest anaesthesia for me?
Your OB-GYN surgeon can ask for a pre-surgical consultation with anesthesia to review any medical conditions you may have and decide which type of anesthesia is best for you. TIVA (Total IV Anesthesia) is a good option, and often uterine surgery can be achieved with epidural anesthesia (local anesthetic placed in cathether inserted into the epidural space in your back) similar to that given in labor. READ MORE
Can natural health supplements like ashwagandha have a bad effect with anaesthesia?
Ashwaganda can have an interference with other sedatives utilized during anesthesia. According to the manufactures guidelines they do recommend stopping the supplement two weeks prior to any surgery. To be on the safe side since it can have a sedative effect and the time period for it to clear your system is unknown, following the guidelines of 2 weeks seems prudent. READ MORE
I am planning to go for a lip piercing. Will anaesthesia help in easing the pain?
I am not sure what if anything people performing lip piercing use for pain. More often than not they would likely use ice or a topical cooling agent and then do the piercing. Topical anesthetic creams over the counter or by prescription would simple help numb the outside surface of the lip not the deeper structures. I would check with the person performing the procedure or others who have had it as to the pain they perceived during the event. READ MORE
I am having a painful sensation around my tailbone after a blood patch was done. What could be the reason?
It is unclear exactly where you are experiencing the pain. Typically the lumbar puncture would be down around the Lumbar 4-5 vertebrae which is close to the sacrum that some consider tail bone. A blood patch is used after cerebrospinal fluid leak. It normally takes care of headache and some back discomfort. If concerned and still having issues it is wise to ascertain a second opinion from a back specialist to exam you and if necessary perform imaging. Likely if no other symptoms if related the pain should improve. READ MORE
I have knee pain after wearing high heels. What to do?
This question is best addressed by your family doctor, podiatrist or orthopedist. As an anesthesiologist, we usually don't address this. READ MORE
I have marijuana in my system. Should I reschedule my tests?
You should always inform the physician and anesthesiologist if present, of any and all medications prescribed or non-prescribed that you have taken. Likely, you would not need to reschedule the test, however this would be up to the physician performing it. Marijuana or THC can affect medications used for sedation. READ MORE
Could I be allergic to anaesthesia?
Vomiting is not an allergic response. Depending on the type of anesthesia used and how it is administered, this is a fairly common side effect. If you are to have anesthesia in the future, simply advise the anesthesiologist of your experience and this likely can be minimized with antiemetic or anti-nausea medication. READ MORE
Can anaesthesia for a patient who is on sleeping medicines be dangerous?
He should advise during his preoperative visit with the anesthesiologist the sleeping medication he is taking. Typically, most sleeping medications are short-acting and likely would not interfere with the procedure. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Visiting Professor Santo Domingo- PUCUMM 2010 - 2018
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
Dr. Marc Morales MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Morales
- Esteban
Dr. Morales is an exceptional physician and diagnostician. He is in academic practice. He is skilled in critical care/anesthesia and alternative strategies in pain management including acupuncture. I would not hesitate to send other family or friends to him for a second opinion.
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