Local Blocks and Regional Anesthesia in the Head and Neck.

Local anesthesia is commonly used for head and neck procedures. Many anesthetic agents are available, with differing properties that can alter their durations of action and lengths of time to onset. These agents can be used acutely for laceration repair or as adjuncts to intravenous sedation. Local and regional anesthetic agents can also be used for chronic conditions. Several local anesthetic blocks are available. Local anesthesia has the potential for complications, ranging from issues with injection process, such as a broken needle, to reactions of the anesthetic agent. Some populations are more at risk for certain reactions to anesthesia.