What are the signs of local anesthetic toxicity?

Local anesthetic toxicity can present with a range of symptoms primarily affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular system due to the effects of the anesthetic agent on these systems. The signs associated with local anesthetic toxicity typically include dizziness, lethargy, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Dizziness and lethargy represent the initial central nervous system excitatory phase, where the patient may experience confusion and disorientation. As toxicity worsens, it can lead to seizures due to overexcitation of neuronal pathways. Additionally, toxicity can also influence cardiac function, potentially resulting in arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms that can be life-threatening.

Understanding these signs is crucial for dental anesthesia assistants, as early recognition of local anesthetic toxicity can lead to prompt intervention, potentially mitigating severe complications.