Local anaesthesia

What is local anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia is the use of medicine to prevent the feeling or sensation of pain during painful procedures and surgery.

Local anaesthesia uses a drug to numb only a specific part of the body, for example, a patch of skin. For minor procedures, local anaesthesia is often used.

Risks of local anaesthesia for your child

Local anaesthesia is considered a low risk procedure. The risk may increase depending on your child’s condition, age and health.

In very rare cases, local anaesthesia risks can include:

• an allergic reaction
• infection
• breathing problems
• changes in heart rhythm

How to prepare your child for the local anaesthesia

Before any treatment, it is important to talk to your child about what will happen. When talking to your child, use words they can understand. Let your child know that medicines will be given to make them feel comfortable during the procedure.

Children feel less anxious and scared when they know what to expect. Children also feel less worried when they see their parents are calm and supportive.

How is local anaesthesia given?

Depending on the size of the area to be numbed, local anaesthesia can be given through a needle injection, ointment or spray. Your child may receive local anaesthesia when they are awake, sedated or asleep under general anaesthesia.

The type of local anaesthesia your child receives will be specific to their needs. It will depend on various factors, including:

• your child’s age and weight
• the type of treatment your child will be having
• the area of the treatment
• any allergies your child may have
• your child’s medical conditions