Generalized seizure following lignocaine administration: Case report and literature review

Local anaesthetics (LAs) are considered the most effective drugs for prevention and management of pain associated with dental procedures. Lignocaine is the most preferred LA worldwide. Adverse drug reactions reported with lignocaine use are usually mild, however severe complications have been encountered. This article reports a case of lignocaine-induced seizure in a child. We also reviewed similar cases encountered over the last 10 years. The possible explanations could be placement of the needle in a small vein or hypersensitivity to lignocaine. We hereby reinforce the fact that seemingly safe LA's can cause life-threatening complications and rapid identification of clinical symptoms can drastically change the clinical course. Hence it is vital that primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals should to be aware, alert and be able to diagnose and manage these reactions immediately.