Lidocaine-induced altered mental status and seizure after hematoma block

Abstract

Hematoma blocks with lidocaine are routinely utilized in the Emergency Department to allow reduction of Colles’ fractures. Lidocaine toxicity is a potential complication of this procedure. We present a case report of a patient who developed acute mental status changes and generalized seizure immediately following administration of lidocaine during a hematoma block. The rapid onset of seizure development following injection was most likely due to inadvertent intravascular administration.