[Anaesthesia and cerebral hypoxia (author's transl)].

The effects of intravenous and general anaesthesia on the cerebral circulation and metabolism are reviewed. The various anaesthetic agents differ both quantitatively and qualitatively in their action on the brain. The pathophysiology of raised intracranial pressure is discussed and the risks involved in the use of certain anaesthetic agents in cases of reduced intracranial compliance are emphasized. Details are given of the safe limits for induced changes in pCO2 and arterial pressure.