[Convulsions induced by ropivacaine after midhumeral block]

We report a case of central nervous system toxicity induced by ropivacaine following a brachial block at the humeral canal. Forty millilitres 0.75% ropivacaine (4.28 mg.kg-1) were used uneventfully, with slow injections and negative intermittent aspirations. Fifteen minutes later, the patient presented two episodes of generalised convulsions treated by diazepam, 20 mg. The total venous ropivacaine concentration measured two hours after the block was 2.3 mg.l-1.