Which of the following is NOT considered a main type of anesthesia?

Cognitive anesthesia is not recognized as a main type of anesthesia. The primary categories of anesthesia are general, regional, and local anesthesia, each serving different purposes and mechanisms in practice.

General anesthesia results in a reversible loss of consciousness and sensation, making it suitable for extensive surgical procedures that require complete unconsciousness. Regional anesthesia refers to the administration of anesthetic agents to a specific area of the body, blocking sensation in that region while allowing the patient to remain awake or lightly sedated. Local anesthesia is applied in a more limited capacity, numbing a small area to facilitate minor surgical or medical procedures without affecting the overall consciousness of the patient.

Cognitive anesthesia, while it may imply a state of relaxation or mental detachment, does not represent a standard or defined method of anesthesia used in clinical practice. Therefore, it stands apart from the established categories used in medical and surgical contexts.