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If you feel lingering numbness, tingling, weakness, or persistent loss of sensation after your dental or podiatric surgery, don’t ignore it: It may indicate nerve damage from anesthesia. Learn what causes post-surgery nerve damage, how doctors diagnose it, and what legal rights you have to take control of your recovery.
What Is Nerve Damage from Anesthesia?
Nerve damage happens when an anesthetic injection inadvertently injures your nerve fibers, which then leads to prolonged numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, or muscle weakness. Although most injections go smoothly, direct needle trauma, chemical irritation, or fluid pressure can harm nerves—even when performed by skilled clinicians.
What Symptoms Should Raise a Red Flag?
Most people feel numb immediately after anesthesia, which is normal. But if your numbness or tingling persists beyond 48 hours, or if you experience worsening pain, muscle weakness, or altered sensation in the treated area after three days, you may have a more serious injury. Schedule an evaluation with your surgeon or neurologist immediately—the earlier you catch any issues, the better.
What Causes Nerve Injuries During Dental or Podiatric Procedures?
Anesthetic injections can damage nerves through any of the following methods:
- Needle trauma, especially when the needle contacts the nerve sheath during dental blocks or popliteal nerve blocks.
- Chemical toxicity from anesthetic agents like articaine or lidocaine, which can irritate nerve fibers if injected intrafascicularly.
- Compression from fluid buildup or hematoma formation at the injection site, leading to ischemia and reactive fibrosis around the nerve.
Individual factors—such as your personal anatomy—can further increase your risk.
How Is Nerve Damage Diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a thorough neurological exam to assess your sensation, reflexes, and muscle strength. They may conduct a nerve conduction study to measure the electrical signals along your nerves, pinpointing your injury’s location and severity. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI can help reveal any compressive lesions, hematomas, or scar tissue affecting the nerve.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Initial treatments aim to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing. These may include any combination of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease swelling around the nerve.
- Gentle physical and occupational therapy exercises to maintain your muscle strength and prevent stiffness.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to promote nerve regeneration and reduce neuropathic pain.
If more conservative measures fail, a nerve specialist may recommend surgical exploration or repair to remove scar tissue or reattach severed nerve endings.
How Long Do Most Nerves Take to Recover?
Most anesthetic-related nerve injuries recover spontaneously within six weeks to three months. The majority of nerve-related complications resolve themselves within 4–6 weeks, although some symptoms may linger longer before you recover fully.
Can I Reduce My Risk of Nerve Damage?
While you can’t eliminate all risks, you can take these steps to protect yourself:
- Choose an experienced dental or podiatric surgeon who routinely performs nerve blocks.
- Follow all pre-procedure instructions, stay well-hydrated, and disclose any existing nerve conditions prior to your surgery.
- Report unusual sensations—like an electric shock feeling during injection or persistent numbness—to your provider immediately.
Why Trust the Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York?
If you have suffered nerve damage due to anesthesia after dental or podiatric surgery, trust the Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York to advocate for your rights with professionalism and compassion. Our attorneys have helped nerve injury victims throughout New York City and its suburbs, securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients harmed by dental and podiatric negligence.
We offer free initial consultations and provide comprehensive legal support every step of the way. Our office location in New York City serves clients located throughout Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester. Call us at 212.730.0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation, and let us serve you today!