Neurological Complications of Local Anaesthetics in Dentistry

From Volume 26, Issue 8, October 1999 | Pages 344-349

Authors

St-John Crean

FDS RCS, FRCS (Eng.)

Lecturer, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Eastman Dental Hospital and Institute, London

Articles by St-John Crean

Alison Powis

BDS, FDS RCS

Senior House Officer, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Eastman Dental Hospital and Institute, London

Articles by Alison Powis

Abstract

Neurological complications following the administration of a local anaesthetic can be alarming. By reading reports of such incidents, dentists who find themselves in similar situations will be able to reassure their patients and act accordingly. The authors have reviewed the literature for those neurological complications that have been reported and offer an explanation of their aetiology. Examples of complications covered are facial nerve palsy, transient amaurosis, post-injection paraesthesia, Horner's syndrome, transient paralysis of combined cranial nerves III, IV and VI, sudden unilateral deafness and abducens nerve palsy. A thorough knowledge of the relevant anatomy pertinent to the various injections used in dental surgery is essential and is highlighted in the text.

Article