HYPERSENSITIVITY TO LOCAL-ANESTHETICS

Different mechanisms can underlie hypersensitivity to local anesthetic s. Rarely allergic reactions are demonstrable; more probable mechanism s are idiosyncrasy, intolerance, intoxication, or psyche-vegetative re actions. In an individual patient the pathomechanism of a reaction mos tly remains unclear Skin tests are performed to detect allergic reacti ons and/or patients reacting already to a minimal dose of a local anes thetic. It is of essential importance to prove the tolerance of an alt ernative local anesthetic by subcutaneous provocation tests done with adequate precautions.