I had a neurological reaction to the drug lidocaine while at the dentist. Which resulted in vision problems issues walking for about 3 months.
you
don't know this for sure - which is why they are going to do this :
... I have been sent to a drug safety clinic where the next plan is to try giving it to me again... it seems a bit odd that they think this is a good idea. I am not so sure. They say this is the only way to see if there is a true allergy to this drug <----TRUE!! and it is important as it is used rather often for different things. I am bit unsure to keep this appointment as I fear the reaction. The plan is to try a topical see the reaction if there is none to do an injection.
sounds like your dentist is doing EXACTLY as s/he should. This is precisely what an allergy test is.
The reactions are more and more difficult and always neurological in fashion. I was told the every time the reaction may get worse if I am indeed allergic to this drug. My family doctor says these people are the experts to listen to their advice... but doctors have worked me over before...I am not so trusting.
Yes, it is likely that if you are truly allergic to lidocane, or perhaps something in it (an additive, highly likely...) the reaction will become increasingly unpleasant. It is wise of your doctor to tackle this ASAP, and it would be wise for you to keep this appointment. There is nothing wrong with questioning authority [doctors]. One should always be wary and seek advice if you're not totally comfortable with what is happening. However - you need to speak up and ask questions. Say "I'm scared, why are you doing this to me? Why would you be giving me the same drug that you think is causing me an allergic reaction?" Their immediate goal is to comfort your fears, and will respond to you in Lay terms the basics of the procedure. When I was younger, and I went through ANY type of procedure, I politely asked the doctors and or nurses to please explain to me each step they're going through, and weather or not it was going to hurt (I know, I know, it sounds so pansy - but for me, I need to kind of "brace" myself for something painful, and it eases my mind to have them kinda tell me what's going on, as opposed to just laying there in silence wondering wtf they're digging around for...)
I have no understanding of chemicals none ziltch and I am not going to get that type of educations before I have to decide about this appointment.
You don't need any 'educations in chemicals.' I'll explain to you what's likely to happen, and when you get to this appointment, you can tell them you're a bit nervous, and if they could please explain the procedure to you - what are they gonna say, "No, sorry, we don't explain procedures here, we want you to suffer as much as possible so when the clown comes out of the closet with an axe, don't think twice..."
Skin prick test
Typically this test takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Some tests detect immediate allergic reactions, which develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Other tests detect delayed allergic reactions, which develop over a period of several days.
A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate allergic reactions to as many as 40 different substances at once. This test is usually done to identify allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm. Children may be tested on the upper back.
- Allergy skin tests aren't painful. This type of testing uses needles that barely penetrate the skin's surface. You won't bleed or feel more than
mild, momentary discomfort aka dang near no pain.
- After cleaning the test site with alcohol, the nurse may draw a small mark on your skin and apply a drop of allergen extract next to each mark. He or she then uses a needle to prick the extracts into the skin's surface. A new needle is used for each allergen. (why a new needle each time? because the sharper it is (new) the less it hurts. If the nurse used the same needle the whole time, pain would exponentially increase with each poke. Old needles are also likely to cause scarring and bruising.)
- To see if your skin is reacting normally, two additional substances are scratched into your skin's surface:
1)
Histamine. (Histamine is something that your body produces when you're having an allergic reaction - can result in hives (little red bumps in various areas of the body), localized swelling, etc.) In most people, this substance causes a skin response. If you don't react to histamine, your allergy skin test may not reveal an allergy even if you have one.
2)
Glycerin or saline. (saline = salt water) (glycerin aka Glycerol or Glycerine) is also used in tobacco industry as a humectant (makes the tobacco not-so-dry), in food industry as an additive (sugar), in pharmaceutical industry as excipient and formulation aid (as a 'binder' in pills, etc), in chemical substances as intermediate, in cosmetic industry as skin moisturizer and humectant (keeps skin soft), as anti-freezing substance in cell and sperm preservation, as lubricant and hydraulic fluid.
None of these uses have been reported as provoking any side effects to any of the people coming in contact with the substance. In most people, these substances don't cause any reaction. If you do react to glycerin or saline, you may have sensitive skin. Test results will need to be interpreted cautiously to avoid a false allergy diagnosis.
- About 15 minutes after the skin pricks, the nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you are allergic to one of the substances tested, you'll develop a raised, red, itchy bump that looks like a mosquito bite. The nurse will probably measure the size of the bump. None of this is painful.
- After the nurse records the results, he or she will clean your skin with alcohol to remove the marks. Quick and painless. Skin may be a tiny bit tender from being poked or irritated if it's having a reaction to something, but nothing painful.
Skin injection test
You may need a test that uses a needle to inject a small amount of allergen extract just into the skin on your arm (intradermal test) only uncomfortable for a second or two. The injection site is examined after about 15 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction. Your doctor may recommend this test to check for an allergy to insect venom or penicillin.
Patch test
This test doesn't use needles. Instead, an allergen is applied to a patch, which is then placed on your skin. This type of test can detect delayed allergic reactions. It's generally done to see whether a particular substance is causing allergic skin irritation (contact dermatitis). During a patch test, your skin may be exposed to 20 to 30 extracts of substances that can cause contact dermatitis. These can include latex, medications, fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, metals and resins.
- You wear the patches on your arm or back for 48 hours. The patches are removed when you return to your doctor's office. Irritated skin at the patch site may indicate an allergy.
A few notes about Lidocane:
There are few absolute negative side effects for local injection anesthetics.
Allergy to -amide anesthetics such as lidocaine is rare, and when it does occur, it is usually caused by the preservative methylparaben. One way to avoid a potential allergic reaction is to use preservative-free lidocaine, which is available in single-dose vials. History of an allergy to an -ester anesthetic such as procaine (Novocain) is not a contraindication to the use of lidocaine, because they are chemically different, and cross-reaction is rare. Another approach includes using 1% diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which has proved effective in studies.
A few notes about generalized anesthetics...
Common Injectable Anesthetics
Amides
Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
Bupivacaine (Marcaine)
Mepivacaine (Carbocaine)
Prilocaine (Citanest)
Etidocaine (Duranest)
Esters
Procaine (Novocain)
Chloroprocaine (Nesacaine)
Tetracaine (Pontocaine)
-Most local anesthetics rarely produce side effects. The most common complications occur during epidural administration or accidental intravascular administration. (***man, does this suck!!! Happened to me once...looked like I was trying to hide a black softball in my cheek for a month)
If large amounts of local anesthetics are absorbed rapidly, central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular toxicity may occur.
- The signs and symptoms of CNS toxicity induced by local anesthetic: Early symptoms, such as a metallic taste, tinnitus, lightheadedness, and confusion, are followed by tremors and shivering. Ultimately, generalized seizures and respiratory arrest may occur.
Hope this helps...good luck! \m/
