Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is a type of anaesthesia that numbs a specific area of the body to prevent pain during medical procedures. It is often used for minor surgeries and procedures, such as dental work, biopsies, and minor skin surgeries.

Mechanism of Action

Local anaesthetics work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses. They do this by inhibiting the movement of sodium ions across the nerve cell membrane. This prevents the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, which in turn prevents the sensation of pain.

Types of Local Anaesthesia

There are two main types of local anaesthesia: topical and injectable.

• Topical anaesthetics are applied to the skin or mucous membranes. They are used for procedures such as skin biopsies, minor skin surgeries, and some dental procedures.
• Injectable anaesthetics are injected into the tissue to numb a specific area. They are used for procedures such as dental work, minor surgeries, and some types of biopsies.

Side Effects and Risks

While local anaesthesia is generally safe, it can cause side effects and complications in some cases. These can include allergic reactions, nerve damage, and systemic toxicity if the anaesthetic is accidentally injected into a blood vessel.

See Also

• General anaesthesia
• Regional anaesthesia
• Sedation

Local anaesthesia Resources
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