10. Mistake: Waking up during surgery

• Cause: An under-dose of anesthesia.

• Consequences: The brain stays awake while the muscles stay frozen. Most patients aren't in any pain but some feel every poke, prod and cut.

• Prevention: When you schedule surgery, ask your surgeon if you need to be put asleep or if a local anesthetic might work just as well.

• Example case: Erin Cook