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04:06
Minimally Invasive Surgical Decompression of Occipital Nerves
Published on: September 13, 2024
Diplopia with local anesthesia.
Michael Pragasm1, Anil Managutti
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Modern Dental College and Research Center, Indore, M.P., India.
National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery
|March 24, 2012
Summary
A rare complication of local anesthesia, diplopia (double vision), can occur after a posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block. This case report details the event and discusses potential causes and management strategies for dental practitioners.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anesthesiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Local anesthesia (LA) administration can lead to various local and systemic complications.
- Posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve blocks are commonly used for dental procedures.
- Diplopia, or double vision, is an exceptionally rare complication following a PSA nerve block.
Observation:
- A patient developed diplopia and impaired lateral gaze in the right eye after receiving a PSA nerve block for upper right third molar extraction.
- The patient's symptoms resolved completely as the anesthetic effect subsided.
- This presentation highlights an unusual neurological sequela of a routine dental anesthetic technique.
Findings:
- The case report documents a rare instance of temporary diplopia following a PSA nerve block.
- Potential mechanisms, such as anesthetic spread or direct nerve involvement, are discussed.
- Complete recovery suggests a transient neurological effect rather than permanent damage.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of rare complications associated with local anesthesia, including neurological effects like diplopia.
- Prompt recognition and understanding of potential mechanisms are crucial for managing such adverse events.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive patient monitoring during and after dental procedures involving local anesthesia.
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