• Can local anesthesia cause nerve damage?

I will have surgery under local anesthesia. Can local anesthesia cause nerve damage?

4 Answers

  • Anesthesiologist
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL

Yes it could happens. Direct stimulation of a peripheral nerve during local anesthesia injection can cause direct nerve perforation. Nerve injuries affected by the size and the type off the needle.

  • Anesthesiologist
  • Porterville, CA

Theoretically it could. When injected in high concentration directly into the nerve. However with the current technology utilizing ultrasound its very unlikely, since you can visualize an injection location.

  • Anesthesiologist
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana

Local anesthetic, in and of self as an entity, probably not. The placement of it (with a needle) possibly. The question specifically asked about 'nerve' damage, so no, but the local anesthetic itself, possibly--injected into a blood (heart issues) vessel, too much local anesthetic--problems, allergic reaction to the particular compound--problems. Each with those things being said, anesthesia-- from a purely statistical perspective, is a much safer experience than turning the keys in the ignition of your car and driving.

  • Surgeon
  • Ansonia, CT

Normally, no.

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