Local Anesthetic Toxicity

Local Anesthetic Toxicity

When we receive local anesthesia, for a small procedure, biopsy or stitches we never expect that we are in danger. And in general, these local anesthetics are safe, but in some special cases getting local anesthesia can prove to be toxic.  Toxicity can occur if the anesthetic is administered inappropriately, that is at higher than normal doses or in the wrong tissue type than it is intended. Toxicity can also occur in some people even when the local anesthetic is properly given, if for instance the body has an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.  If a person does get toxicity from a local anesthetic, the reaction can fall into two categories: local or systemic. 

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