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Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
[Systemic toxicity caused by local anesthetics after peripheral nerve blocks]
B García Iglesias1, P Diéguez García, S López Alvarez
1Unidad de Cirugía Sin Ingreso del Hospital Abente y Lago, Complexo Hospitalario Juan Canalejo, A Coruña. belenanes@gmail.com
Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|November 28, 2006
Summary
Peripheral nerve blocks are increasingly common, but complications like systemic toxicity can occur. This report details two cases of local anesthetic systemic toxicity during outpatient nerve blocks, highlighting the neurological risks.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peripheral nerve blocks are gaining popularity for outpatient surgery.
- Advances in nerve stimulation and ultrasound imaging have improved safety.
- Local anesthetics have become safer, but systemic toxicity remains a risk.
Observation:
- Systemic toxicity from local anesthetics presents with neurological symptoms, often preceding cardiovascular signs.
- Two cases of systemic toxicity occurred during peripheral nerve blocks for outpatient procedures.
Findings:
- The observed cases involved the use of a mixture of local anesthetics.
- Neurological symptoms served as early indicators of systemic toxicity.
Implications:
- Awareness of potential systemic toxicity is crucial despite technical advances in nerve blocks.
- Vigilance for neurological signs is essential for early detection and management of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.
- Careful consideration of anesthetic mixtures is warranted in outpatient nerve block procedures.
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