Lignocaine Infusion
What is Lignocaine?
Lignocaine is a local anaesthetic that has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by blocking sodium channels in the nerves that conduct pain signals. Although it is often administered locally, lignocaine can be administered systemically (into your bloodstream) for a range of chronic pain conditions.
What is a lignocaine infusion used to treat?
A lignocaine infusion can be used to treat a range of chronic pain conditions. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Neuropathic pain
- Spinal cord pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
What is the aim of the infusion?
The aim of a lignocaine infusion is to reduce your pain levels by winding down the sensitivity in your nerves that transmit pain. It also increases your sensitivity to analgesia, reducing the amount of medications you need for managing your pain.
Before the infusion
You will need to fast before the procedure. This means: - No food 6 hours before - No liquids (except water) 6 hours before. This includes coffee, tea, orange juice etc.- You can drink water up to 2 hours before the procedure.
Take your usual medications with a small sip of water.Please contact us if you are taking any blood thinning medications, diabetes medication, pregnant, or unwell. How is a lignocaine infusion administered? Lignocaine infusions are administered in a hospital. You will be changed into a gown will lie comfortably in a bed for the infusion. An intravenous cannula will be inserted so that the lignocaine can be adminsitered via an infusion pump. The dose administered will be based on your body weight. An antinausea medication is often before commencement of the infusion for nausea and vomiting, and a sedative may be given for anxiety. You will be monitored by a nurse with regular measurements of your pulse, blood pressure etc. After the infusion You will be assessed by our nurse to confirm you are safe for discharge. Ensure someone can drive you home safely and be with you for the next 24 hours. Are there any side effects? Yes, even in low doses some people experience side effects with a lignocaine infusion. These can include neurological side effects including: light headedness, headaches, dizziness, tingling around the lips and mouth, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, tremors, vision changes, slurred speech. Cardiovascular side effects may include: change in blood pressure (hypotension), and heart rate (bradycardia), arrhythmias.
Take your usual medications with a small sip of water.Please contact us if you are taking any blood thinning medications, diabetes medication, pregnant, or unwell. How is a lignocaine infusion administered? Lignocaine infusions are administered in a hospital. You will be changed into a gown will lie comfortably in a bed for the infusion. An intravenous cannula will be inserted so that the lignocaine can be adminsitered via an infusion pump. The dose administered will be based on your body weight. An antinausea medication is often before commencement of the infusion for nausea and vomiting, and a sedative may be given for anxiety. You will be monitored by a nurse with regular measurements of your pulse, blood pressure etc. After the infusion You will be assessed by our nurse to confirm you are safe for discharge. Ensure someone can drive you home safely and be with you for the next 24 hours. Are there any side effects? Yes, even in low doses some people experience side effects with a lignocaine infusion. These can include neurological side effects including: light headedness, headaches, dizziness, tingling around the lips and mouth, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, tremors, vision changes, slurred speech. Cardiovascular side effects may include: change in blood pressure (hypotension), and heart rate (bradycardia), arrhythmias.
DisclaimerThe above information is for general education only and is not intended as a substitute for your own independant health advice. At Western Pain clinic we comprehensively assess each patients pain condition and provide advice using the latest evidence-based treatments. If you would like to find out more information about lignocaine infusions, please discuss this with our doctor during your consultation.