Which type of anesthesia allows for movement during a procedure but not sensation?

Regional anesthesia is designed to block sensation in a specific area of the body while allowing for movement in that region. It is achieved by injecting anesthetic agents near major nerves or in a specific area, such as the spinal cord. This method numbs the targeted area, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, yet it does not inhibit motor function as significantly as general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious and immobile.

Understanding that regional anesthesia aims to provide analgesia while preserving some sensation and movement is crucial, particularly for procedures where patients need to remain semi-alert or able to respond. General anesthesia, in contrast, affects the entire body, inducing unconsciousness, while local and topical anesthesia primarily numb smaller, localized areas without affecting broader muscle groups, which may limit their applications in more extensive surgeries where mobility is an asset.