Local Anesthesia

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Anesthesia - Dr. Subrata Chakravarty

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Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia involves rendering a specific area of the body insensitive to pain by administering local anesthetics. These agents relieve pain, prevent discomfort during medical procedures or surgeries, and provide post-surgical pain relief.

Local anesthetics block nerve signals in a specific region, numbing the area and allowing medical procedures such as suturing wounds or conducting biopsies without causing pain. Unlike general anesthesia, local anesthesia keeps the patient awake and alert throughout the process.

Types of Local Anesthesia

Medical professionals use local anesthetics through three primary methods:

  1. Topical Application
    Apply anesthetic ointments to open wounds or oral ulcers to numb the area.
    Use anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for procedures like removing foreign objects or eyelashes.
  2. Infiltration Injection
    Administer local anesthetics via injection beneath the skin or at deeper levels.
    Ensure patients do not feel pain during procedures like suturing, biopsies, or spinal taps (for cerebrospinal fluid collection).
  3. Nerve Blocks
    Inject anesthetic agents near specific nerves to block pain in their supply areas.
    Use this method for dental procedures, ocular surgeries, or spinal anesthesia during cesarean sections.

Types of Local Anesthetic Agents

Local anesthetics fall into two categories:

  • Amides: Examples include lignocaine, prilocaine, and bupivacaine.
  • Esters: Examples include cocaine, procaine, and amethocaine.

Duration of Effect

The effects of local anesthetics generally wear off quickly. For instance, lignocaine typically loses its effect within one hour. To prolong anesthesia, physicians may combine local anesthetics with other medications like steroids, clonidine, or epinephrine (adrenaline).

Side Effects of Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetics are generally safe and cause minimal side effects, such as a mild tingling sensation as the effect diminishes. However, excessive administration or accidental injection into a vein may lead to other side effects, including:

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Soreness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Numbness
  • Muscle twitching
  • A metallic taste in the mouth

Severe Complications (Rare)

In rare cases involving high dosages, local anesthesia may cause severe complications, such as:

  • Seizures
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Bradycardia (slowed heart rate)
  • Respiratory difficulties

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