On awakening paralyzed during surgery. A syndrome of traumatic neurosis.

We have observed several cases of a traumatic neurotic syndrome in patients who awakened from light anesthesia while still unable to move. The subsequent symptoms of anxiety and irritability, preoccupation with death, and repetitive nightmares should lead the physician to suspect the condition even though the patient is reluctant to talk about it. A direct explanation of the situation often serves as a dramatic cure.