Lignocaine toxicity; a complication of local anaesthesia administered in the community

Local anaesthetic agents are among the most commonly used drugs in the emergency department. A case is reported of a complication arising from systemic toxicity after the injection of lignocaine (lidocaine). Emergency practitioners should maintain a high level of vigilance for the symptoms of toxicity after local anaesthetic administration. Particular care should be taken when calculating the maximum safe dose for young children.