Systemic toxicity from local anaesthetic agent use is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, complication. It most commonly occurs with inadvertent intravascular injection. High plasma levels of local anaesthetic lead to central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity. Treatment of toxicity is mainly supportive; however, there is now evidence for the use of lipid emulsions in the management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity.
Christina Beecroft FRCA FDS RCS is a locum Consultant Anaesthetist at Ninewells Hospital, and Medical School, Dundee, UK. Her main interest is regional anaesthesia and she has completed a six-month training fellowship in this specialty. Conflicts of interest: none declared
Gillian Davies FRCA is a Specialty Registrar in Anaesthesia at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared
ABSTRACT