Lidocaine Infusion

Pain Management Treatments in Texas

A lidocaine infusion is a type of intravenous (IV) infusion that delivers the medication lidocaine into the bloodstream. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. It is commonly used to treat pain during and after surgery, but it can also be used to treat chronic pain conditions.

How does a lidocaine infusion work?

Lidocaine works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells. Sodium channels are essential for the transmission of pain signals. When lidocaine blocks sodium channels, it prevents pain signals from being transmitted to the brain.

When is a lidocaine infusion used?

Lidocaine infusions are used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including:

Acute pain: Lidocaine infusions can be used to treat acute pain, such as pain caused by surgery, trauma, or burns.
Chronic pain: Lidocaine infusions can be used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and cancer pain.
Headaches: Lidocaine infusions can be used to treat certain types of headaches, such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches.

Benefits of a lidocaine infusion

Lidocaine infusions offer a number of benefits, including:

Effective pain relief: Lidocaine infusions can provide effective pain relief for a variety of pain conditions.
Improved function: Lidocaine infusions can help to improve function and mobility in people with chronic pain.
Reduced need for medication: Lidocaine infusions can reduce the need for oral pain medications, which can help to reduce side effects.
Improved quality of life: Lidocaine infusions can help to improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving function.

Who is a good candidate for a lidocaine infusion?

Lidocaine infusions may be a good option for people who:

Have not responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and other types of injections.
Need to deliver a high concentration of medication to the bloodstream.
Need to reduce the risk of side effects associated with medication.
Want a less painful injection experience.

What to expect during and after a lidocaine infusion

A lidocaine infusion is typically performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Before the procedure, patients are asked to lie on a bed or in a chair. An IV line will be placed in the arm.

The doctor then starts the lidocaine infusion. The lidocaine will be administered slowly into the bloodstream over a period of time.

During the infusion, patients are monitored for any side effects. The most common side effects of lidocaine infusions are mild and temporary, such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

After the infusion, patients are monitored for a few hours before being discharged from the clinic.

Risks and side effects of a lidocaine infusion

Lidocaine infusions are generally safe procedures, though there are some potential risks and side effects, including:

Allergic reaction: There is a small risk of allergic reaction to lidocaine.
Dizziness and nausea: Lidocaine infusions can cause dizziness and nausea.
Hypotension: Lidocaine infusions can cause low blood pressure.
Heart rhythm problems: Lidocaine infusions can cause heart rhythm problems.

Conclusion

Lidocaine infusions can be an effective and safe way to treat a variety of pain conditions. They offer a number of benefits over other treatments, such as oral pain medications and other types of injections.

If you experience chronic pain and would like to know if a lidocaine infusion is right for you, make an appointment with us. We'll perform a full evaluation and create a treatment program for your unique situation.