Editing Local anesthesia (section)

==Medical==
{{Main|Local anesthetic}}
A local anesthetic is a [[medication|drug]] that causes reversible local anesthesia and a loss of [[nociception]]. When it is used on specific nerve pathways ([[nerve block]]), effects such as [[analgesia]] (loss of [[pain]] sensation) and [[paralysis]] (loss of [[muscle]] power) can be achieved. Clinical local anesthetics belong to one of two classes: aminoamide and aminoester local anesthetics. Synthetic local anesthetics are structurally related to [[cocaine]]. They differ from cocaine mainly in that they have no abuse potential and do not act on the [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2278837/ sympathoadrenergic system], i.e. they do not produce [[hypertension]] or local [[vasoconstriction]], with the exception of [[Ropivacaine]] and [[Mepivacaine]] that do produce weak vasoconstriction. Unlike other forms of anesthesia, a local can be used for a minor procedure in a surgeon's office as it does not put one into a state of unconsciousness. However, the physician should have a sterile environment available before doing a procedure in their office. Local anesthetics work primarily by reversibly blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes, which prevents the initiation and propagation of action potentials along sensory nerves. This blocks nociceptive signals from reaching the brain.

Local anesthetics vary in their [[pharmacology|pharmacological]] properties and they are used in various techniques of local anesthesia such as:
* [[Topical anesthetic|Topical anesthesia]] (surface) - Surface application on mucous membranes or skin.
* [[Infiltration (medical)|Infiltration]] anesthesia: Direct injection into tissue near the site of the procedure.
* Peripheral nerve blocks: Injection near specific nerves or plexuses (e.g., brachial, femoral).
* Neuraxial anesthesia: Includes spinal and epidural techniques, which anesthetize broader regions through nerve root blockade.
Adverse effects depend on the [[local anesthetic]] method and site of administration discussed in depth in the [[local anesthetic]] sub-article, but overall, adverse effects can be:
# localized prolonged [[anesthesia]] or [[paresthesia]] due to infection, [[hematoma]], excessive fluid pressure in a confined cavity, and severing of nerves & support tissue during injection.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Risks Associated with Your Anaesthetic|title=Nerve damage associated with peripheral nerve block|volume=Section 12|publisher=The Royal College of Anaesthetists|date=January 2006|url=http://www.rcoa.ac.uk/docs/nerve-peripheral.pdf|access-date=2007-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009110706/http://www.rcoa.ac.uk/docs/nerve-peripheral.pdf|archive-date=2007-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# systemic reactions such as depressed [[central nervous system|CNS]] syndrome, allergic reaction, [[vasovagal episode]], and [[cyanosis]] due to [[local anesthetic toxicity]].
# lack of anesthetic effect due to infectious pus such as an [[abscess]].