Anaesthesia is the loss of sensitivity to stimulation which may be total (as when a general anaesthetic is given before surgery) or local. A local anaesthetic may also be given for minor surgery. Local anaesthesia which is not artificially induced in this way is psychological in origin. It may be known as glove or shoe or stocking anaesthesia to indicate the part of the body affected. This kind of anaesthesia is a symptom of hysteria.
Definition