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Temporary bilateral blindness after acute lidocaine toxicity
1Department of Anesthesia, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. rjsawyer1@hotmail.com
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|June 29, 2002
Summary
An accidental overdose of lidocaine, a common local anesthetic, caused blindness after regional anesthesia. This case report explores the likely reasons behind this rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Regional anesthesia frequently utilizes lidocaine, a widely administered local anesthetic.
- Adverse events associated with local anesthetics, though uncommon, necessitate thorough investigation.
Observation:
- This case report details a rare instance of blindness following inadvertent lidocaine overdosage.
- The complication occurred during a standard regional anesthetic procedure.
Findings:
- The primary finding is the association between excessive lidocaine administration and subsequent visual impairment.
- The suspected pathophysiology of lidocaine-induced blindness is discussed.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical importance of precise dosage calculations in regional anesthesia.
- Underscores the potential for severe, albeit uncommon, neuro-ophthalmic complications from local anesthetic overdosage.
- Suggests the need for heightened awareness and vigilance regarding lidocaine toxicity in clinical practice.