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Side Effects of Local Anaesthetics

Local anesthetics are routinely used in surgeries for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is necessary to have the patient alert, and in other cases, being awake gives the patient a larger feeling of control over the process of the surgery. Usually, local anesthetics are well tolerated and help the surgeries go smoothly with only minimal effects. They are also used in a variety of settings from hospitals to dental clinics. However, there are serious side effects that can lead to death in extreme cases.

  1. Central Nervous System

    • Depending on the tissue level of anesthesia, the result could be overexcitation of the central nervous system or depression. In low levels, depression of inhibitory neurons leads to cerebral excitation and convulsions. Depression of brain functions at higher concentrations leads to coma, respiratory arrest and death.

    Cardiac

    • The most severe reaction to anesthesia is death. This could occur in numerous ways because the heart is sensitive to local anesthesia. If local anesthesia is injected into a vein, it may cause cardiac arrest and convulsions. Local anesthetics operate much like Lidocaine, which acts by blocking sodium channels, leading to slowed conduction of impulses in the heart. This translates to either bradycardia, a slowed heart rate, or tachyarrhythmica, a fast heart rate. Severe bradycardia will lead to death.

    Oral

    • Local anesthetics are commonly used in dentistry and side effects are rare but possible. The anesthetic is injected into the gum or teeth. Some side effects that could occur are hematomas. Hematomas are blood-filled swellings that are formed when a needle hits a blood vessel. Numbness can also occur outside the targeted area and symptoms may occur such as a drooping eyelid or mouth. These side effects wear off with the drug. Heartbeat may be increased by certain anesthetics. A needle may also hit a nerve, causing numbness and pain after the anesthetic wears off.

    Dermatological

    • Anesthetics are used in many dermatological procedures. Signs of toxicity include severe numbness or tingling, vertigo and drowsiness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), slurred speech, metallic or strange taste in mouth, mental status changes such as confusion or excitation, muscle twitching and seizures.

    Understanding Risks

    • Experienced practitioners know how to use anesthesia correctly and responsibly. Deaths from anesthesia are relatively rare because many procedures are simple and completed within hours without much trouble. Be sure, if undergoing surgery, that you understand and are prepared for all risks involved --- even rare risks.

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