Pediatric procedural sedation involves giving your child special "sleepy medicine" that is carefully calculated based on their age and weight. This medicine helps children feel very relaxed and comfortable during medical or dental treatments.

Important for Parents to Understand:

• Your child will be sleepy but not unconscious
• They can still breathe normally on their own
• They may need to respond to the doctor's voice
• A qualified medical professional will constantly monitor your child
• The medicine is specifically dosed for children

Children experience sedation differently than adults. It's important that you understand these normal effects that may occur:

👀 Vision Changes (Very Common in Children)

• 20% of children will see double or have blurry vision for up to 6 hours
• This is completely normal and will resolve on its own
• Help your child walk and avoid stairs during this time

🚽 Bathroom Difficulties

• Some children may have trouble urinating for 6-8 hours after sedation
• Encourage fluid intake when your child is awake
• Contact us if your child cannot urinate within 8 hours

😢 Emotional & Behavioral Changes

• Children may be more emotional, clingy, or occasionally aggressive
• They may cry more than usual or want extra cuddles
• Some children become temporarily more irritable
• This is normal - be patient and provide comfort

🧠 Memory & Coordination

• Your child may not remember the procedure
• They will be unsteady when walking and need help
• Keep them away from stairs, kitchen, and water
• After dental work: watch they don't bite their numb lip or tongue

While pediatric sedation is generally very safe, I understand that no medical procedure is 100% risk-free. As a parent, I need to be aware of possible complications:

✅ Common Effects (May happen in 1-10% of children):

• Prolonged drowsiness and confusion (longer than expected)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shivering and feeling cold
• More emotional responses (crying, wanting comfort)
• Temporary loss of coordination
• Headache
• Dry mouth and thirst

⚠️ Uncommon but Serious Risks (Less than 1% of children):

• Unintended deeper unconsciousness
• Breathing difficulties requiring oxygen or breathing assistance
• Heart rate or blood pressure changes
• Allergic reactions to the sedation medicines
• Prolonged sedation requiring hospital observation
• Aspiration (breathing in stomach contents)

🚨 Very Rare but Serious Complications:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Heart or breathing arrest
• Neurological complications
• Death (extremely rare but possible)

While these serious complications are very rare, it's important that you understand they are possible.

Dr. Nienaber has discussed other ways to help my child through their procedure, including:

• Local numbing only (injections to numb the area)
• General anesthesia in a hospital (putting child completely asleep)
• Behavioral techniques (distraction, relaxation methods)
• Postponing treatment until child is older
• Not doing the treatment at all

I understand the benefits and risks of these alternatives, and I choose to proceed with procedural sedation for my child.

I understand that as the parent/legal guardian, I am completely responsible for my child's care and supervision before, during, and after the sedation procedure. My child's safety depends entirely on my following all the instructions I've been given.

I acknowledge that I have had enough time to ask questions, consider this decision, and discuss it with family if needed.

COMPULSORY MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

The patient agrees that all disputes or complaints arising from this treatment, or any follow up treatment or procedures, including those involving allegations of clinical negligence or dissatisfaction with care, shall be resolved via Mediation and should Mediation fail by means of Arbitration through a recognised arbitration institute in South Africa under South African law.