Risks and side effects

Local anaesthetics are generally very safe and serious problems are rare.

You may havesome discomfort when the injection is given, a tingling sensation as the medication wears off, and possibly someminor bruising, bleeding or soreness where the injection was given, but you shouldn't experience any significant side effects.

You should move carefully until the anaesthetic has worn off, as you may not notice if you injured yourself.

Some peopleexperiencetemporary side effects froma local anaesthetic, such as:

• dizziness
• headaches
• blurred vision
• twitching muscles
• continuing numbness, weaknessor pins and needles

These problems will usually pass, but you should tellthe healthcare professional in charge of your careif you experience any.

In very rare cases, you could have an allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic or develop serious problems such as seizures (fits) or a cardiac arrest (when theheart stops pumping blood around the body).