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Visual hallucinations and racing thoughts on eye closure after minor surgery
1Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02144.
Archives of Neurology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
A patient experienced visual hallucinations and racing thoughts after local anesthesia with lidocaine. These neurological side effects resolved within hours, suggesting a transient reaction to the anesthetic.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor surgical procedures.
- Lidocaine is a widely utilized local anesthetic agent.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male patient developed distinct visual hallucinations upon eye closure.
- These hallucinations were followed by a period of racing thoughts and illusory body movements.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms commenced two hours post-surgery and resolved within six hours.
- The adverse reaction was attributed to the effects of lidocaine administered during local anesthesia.
Implications:
- This case highlights potential, albeit rare, central nervous system side effects of lidocaine.
- Awareness of such reactions is crucial for clinicians managing patients receiving local anesthetics.